The short answer is both. Crowns can be used for a variety of reasons, including:
Crowns can be made of gold, ceramic or porcelain. Porcelain and ceramic crowns are matched to patients' teeth so the size and color look completely natural.
Regardless of the type of crown used, the process takes several months. The damaged tooth will be removed and a dental implant placed beneath the patient's gum. After several weeks, when the implant has had to fuse to the jawbone, Dr. Pfeiffer will cap the area with a crown created uniquely for each patient's mouth.
Crowns are intended to replicate natural teeth, so they can be treated as such. Regular brushing with an non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste and flossing is all the maintenance a crown requires. Patients often assume porcelain crowns are fragile, but in reality, porcelain crowns are almost as strong as a natural tooth.
Porcelain crowns and veneers can help correct cosmetic issues with teeth. However, veneers don't address structural problems. Veneers are placed on the outside front of the teeth and used to restore the appearance of the teeth. In that sense, veneers are purely for cosmetic purposes. A porcelain crown caps the entire tooth and offer a strong, durable surface for chewing and biting.
We accept most PPO insurance plans. Below is a shortlist of just some of the plans we accept. Please contact our office if you have specific questions regarding insurance.
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