Are Dental Crowns on Front Teeth Noticeable?

Dental crowns are used to cover a tooth that is cracked, damaged, or stained. Generally, a crown improves the appearance of your smile, yet many patients are concerned if they find themselves needing a crown on a front tooth.

A dental crown is custom made to fit your smile and match the shade of your surrounding teeth. When fitted for a crown, special care is taken to ensure that the crown fits seamlessly with the rest of your teeth when you bite down. If you need a dental restoration treatment to restore your smile, a dental crown can make a huge difference, and here’s how.

Why a Front Tooth May Need a Dental Crown

There are several cases in which you may need a dental crown placed on a front tooth. In most situations, front teeth are only treated with crowns in restorative dentistry treatments. A crown may be occasionally used for cosmetic reasons as well. Tooth-colored crowns are the most popular option since they do not affect the appearance of your smile.

The most common reasons why a front tooth may require a crown for restorative dentistry purposes include:

• If a tooth has suffered extensive damage
• If the tooth has severe tooth decay
• If a tooth is broken or fractured beyond repair
• If a root canal treatment has been necessary to save the tooth

Types of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are made from a variety of materials. While there are several different types of dental crowns used to restore a tooth’s functionality, these three are most commonly used.

Metal

Metal dental crowns use gold, palladium, nickel, chromium, or other types of alloy. Compared to other types of crowns, metal crowns do not require as much of the tooth structure to be removed before placement. One of the most significant advantages of metal crowns is that they are long-lasting and durable. Since a metal crown’s metallic color is noticeable, they’re typically only recommended for back molars that aren’t visible.

Ceramic

Ceramic dental crowns have grown in popularity in recent years because they look and feel like natural teeth. Ceramic dental crowns are excellent options for teeth exposed when you smile as they’re nearly undetectable.

Porcelain 

Dental crowns made of porcelain are fused to metal and can be color-matched to your adjacent teeth. They are often sculpted to replicate the former tooth or formed to create a more appealing shape.

Caring For a Front Tooth Crown

On average, dental crowns placed on front teeth can last for up to fifteen years, while many can last up to thirty years. Crowns can last a lifetime if you take great care of them. Taking care of a dental crown isn’t much different than caring for your natural teeth. Brush and floss every day and visit your dentist regularly to ensure the grown remains undamaged and in good health.

Just like your natural teeth, dental crowns can be affected by fractures and tooth decay. Some seemingly harmless habits that could chip or crack a crown include:

• Chewing on ice
• Biting non-food items like pens or pencils
• Nail-biting
• Accidental trauma
• Teeth grinding
• Biting hard candies

Discussing Restoration Options With Your Dentist

At Aubrey Baudean DDS, we want all of our patients to be thrilled with their dental crowns’ finished results. Discussing all of your crown options before treatment will enable you to feel comfortable and confident in your smile and selection. To learn more about dental crowns and how they can restore the look and function of your smile, contact us today.