What’s the Difference Between Veneers and Crowns?

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If your teeth have cosmetic damage, you may consider veneers or crowns to help improve the appearance of your smile, depending on the problem. Your dentist in St. Cloud, MN, will help you decide whether a veneer or a crown is the best option for you.

Below, we’ll explore the differences between these two options and give you some of the information you’ll need to decide whether crowns or veneers are right for your needs.

What’s A Dental Veneer?

A dental veneer is a tooth-shaped, tooth-colored cover that’s placed on the front of a tooth with cosmetic damage. Dental veneers are made to mimic the look of real teeth, but because they only appear on one side of the tooth, they don’t add any structural support.

Most of the time, dental veneers are installed for cosmetic purposes only. If you have misshapen teeth or teeth that are stained or discolored, dental veneers can help fix that problem. Dental veneers look very natural and can give your smile a uniform, consistent appearance.

What’s a Crown?

A dental crown is a cover that fits fully over the tooth to protect the tooth enamel. Dental crowns can serve cosmetic functions, but they can also offer structural support.

If you have a tooth that’s recently gone through a root canal, your dentist will install a dental crown to cover the weakened enamel, make the tooth look whole and protect the tooth from further damage. Dental crowns can be made to look completely natural. If you want your crown to look natural, your dentist will match the color of the crown to the color of your other teeth.

Metal crowns do not look natural, but metal is one of the most durable materials available. Some people choose this type of crown for their back teeth.

How Can I Tell Which One Is Right for Me?

If you have teeth that are cosmetically damaged, your dentist may recommend veneers. If your teeth have structural problems as well as cosmetic damage, the dentist is more likely to recommend crowns.

Are you interested in dental crowns in St. Cloud, MN? Call Friesz Family and Cosmetic Dentistry today to make an appointment.

How to Care for Your New Crown

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When you first get a crown in St. Cloud, MN, you’re likely told that it’s meant to look and function as a real tooth. Of course, since it’s not your real tooth, you might wonder exactly how you’re meant to care for it along the way. We’ll look at what you can do on your end, so you’re able to keep the crown for as long as possible.

Brush and Floss

This is standard dental advice, but it’s worth pointing out that food particles can still become trapped between your crown, which can damage the neighboring tooth. In addition, plaque buildup around the crown can cause the device to lose its luster.

Eat Carefully

It may be a little upsetting to hear that you should avoid hard or sticky foods, especially if these are your favorite things to eat. However, if you do want your crown to last, you should at least limit your intake as these foods cause a lot of stress on your teeth. (Even if you have all of your regular teeth, you’re supposed to avoid chewing on ice and be extremely careful when you eat things like popcorn.)

Examine Your Habits

This includes habits when you’re awake and asleep. If you have a tendency to grind your teeth at night, you’ll need a mouthguard to protect your crown (and the rest of your teeth). Whether you bite your nails or gnaw on pen caps, cutting these things out of your routine helps you protect your investment. As the heading of this section suggests, this will take some conscious recognition of what you do when you’re stressed. Many people don’t even realize what they’re doing unless someone else points it out.

Find a Helpful Dentist in St. Cloud

The right dentist in St. Cloud, MN will be able to help you care for your crown long after they’ve placed it. From bite issues to sensitivity, they can advise you on what to do and what results you can expect from it. If you’re looking for a staff that cares, visit Friesz Family and Cosmetic Dentistry. We’re here to help you keep your crown for as long as possible.

 

The Five Different Types of Dental Crowns

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Have you ever wondered what dental crowns are made of? Your dentist in St Cloud, MN will tell you there are five types of dental crowns most commonly used today. So let’s go over them so you and your dentist can decide which one is right for you.

The Five Different Types of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns in St Cloud, MN are made of a variety of materials.

1. All Porcelain Crowns

Porcelain crowns in St Cloud, MN are not as durable as metal crowns. However, all-porcelain crowns (sometimes called all-ceramic crowns) are the most commonly used because of their strength and because they look like your natural teeth.

Porcelain crowns are hand-crafted by a dental technician from a block of ceramic. Alternatively, they are cut using a computerized milling machine. All porcelain crowns are great for people who are allergic to metal because porcelain crowns are biocompatible.

2. Porcelain Fused to Metal Crowns

Porcelain fused to metal crowns are crafted using porcelain. The porcelain is then placed over most of the metal surface of the underlying crown. Porcelain fused to metal crowns are the best of both worlds. The metal makes these crowns extremely durable, and the porcelain makes them look like natural teeth.

Sometimes a dentist in St Cloud, MN will use zirconia instead of metal as the base because zirconia is a strong metal; however, unlike other metals, zirconia is white. That means you won’t have a thin dark line showing under your porcelain fused to metal crown.

3. Metal Crowns

The most common metal crown used is gold. However, there are many other types of dental alloys that are used as well. The good thing about metal crowns is that less of your tooth structure will have to be removed. Metal crowns are typically used for molars and back teeth.

4. Stainless Steel Crowns

Stainless steel crowns are made up of nickel, manganese, carbon, iron, and chromium along with other metals. These are extremely durable and can be used on both molars and your primary teeth. Stainless steel crowns are great; however, some dentists don’t provide this option because there are other newer metals available.

5. All Resin Crowns

All resin crowns are the most affordable of all types of crowns. However, they are also the least durable as well. These are generally used as temporary crowns. Another disadvantage of all resin crowns is that your dentist must remove a larger part of your tooth to place them.

What’s Next?

If you need a dentist in St Cloud, MN, please Contact Friesz Family & Cosmetic Dentistry today. We have a warm, comfortable, relaxing environment and we promise to treat you and your family with all the care and respect you deserve.

Caring for Your New Dental Crown

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When you opt for a dental crown in St. Cloud, MN, you get a tooth that is restored, which means you regain your self-confidence and your full smile function. The biggest question most patients have after getting a new crown is how they should take care of it for the long term. Here is a closer look at what you need to know about caring for your new dental crown.

Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods

Crowns are durable dental implements, but some hard and sticky foods can still put your crown at risk just as certain foods can cause damage to your natural teeth. Once you have a crown, be especially attentive to things like taffy, ice, and hard candy. These types of foods can put undue stress on the bond between the crown and the underlying tooth, which may cause the crown to dislodge.

Maintain a Good Home Oral Hygiene Routine

Even though your new crown is not going to be prone to decay, the tooth beneath it is still natural and will need all the same care and attention to keep it healthy. Be sure to remain vigilant about oral hygiene at home, including flossing around the crown just as you do the rest of your teeth.

Kick Bad Habits

Certain habits can be really hard on a crown, especially if you opt for a porcelain crown. Once you have a dental crown, be sure to avoid things like:

  • Opening bottle caps with your teeth
  • Chewing on your fingernails
  • Chewing on hard objects

Grinding your teeth is something else to watch out for. Even though this habit is often involuntary, this, too, can cause damage to your new crown. If you suspect that you are grinding your teeth at night, be sure to talk to a dentist about a nightguard you can wear while you are sleeping.

Talk to a St. Cloud Dentist About Dental Crowns

When properly taken care of, a dental crown can give you a more attractive smile for many years. If you would like to speak to a St. Cloud, MN dentist about a dental crown, reach out to us at Friesz Family and Cosmetic Dentistry to schedule an appointment.