When it’s time to restore a damaged or weakened tooth, dental crowns are a tried-and-true solution. But even if you know they’ll restore your tooth’s functionality, you might worry about their appearance. Will your crown look natural and inconspicuous? How will it fit in with the rest of your smile? What does a dental crown look like?
A Closer Look at Dental Crowns
Let’s start with some reassurance! Dental crowns are custom-made caps that are designed to closely mimic your natural teeth in shape, and they’re often made from materials that can be color-matched to your surrounding teeth and that reflect light naturally. Basically, they can look just like your natural teeth. Actually, if your original tooth was damaged, a dental crown might offer a step up in appearance. It can be perfectly discreet and ensure you have a natural, beautiful smile.
That said, dental crowns do vary in color. You’ll need to factor in material choice if you’re wondering, “What does a dental crown look like?”
Dental Crown Materials & Their Appearances
- Porcelain and ceramic crowns are designed to closely mimic the appearance of natural teeth. Your dentist will match the color to the surrounding teeth, and the material will reflect light just like enamel. In fact, porcelain and ceramic crowns are typically so lifelike, most people can’t tell the difference between them and natural teeth.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns also look realistically tooth-colored on the outside. However, over time, they may reveal a thin dark line at the gumline, with the metal underneath the porcelain becoming visible.
- All-metal crowns, such as gold or silver alloys, don’t resemble natural teeth at all. They have a bold metallic sheen that makes them stand out in your mouth. Some people prefer this unique look and appreciate the metal’s durability and strength. Others don’t mind metal crowns for back teeth because those teeth are less visible when talking and smiling. If someone wishes to prioritize function and longevity over natural-looking aesthetics, they might request a metal crown.
- Zirconia crowns can be tooth-colored like porcelain, but they’re typically slightly opaquer. This gives them a solid, strong look. While they’ll blend in with your smile, they may be detectable if someone looks closely.
The Ideal Shape
What about the shape? Rest assured that your dentist won’t simply sketch your crown freehand. Instead, they’ll rely on advanced technology and precise tools to ensure a perfect shape. Using physical impressions and/or digital scans, they will create a model of your teeth. This model will capture the exact shape, size, and alignment of your bite to ensure that your crown flawlessly matches the shape of the tooth it’s replacing and fits comfortably in your mouth. If anything feels off once your crown is in place, your dentist can adjust it as needed.
A poorly shaped crown could have significant ramifications. It could increase wear on your other teeth, cause jaw discomfort, make flossing difficult or painful, trap plaque, interfere with your chewing, or irritate your tongue and cheeks. This is why it’s crucial that you choose a reputable, experienced dentist who uses top-of-the-line technology.
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What does a dental crown look like? It could be virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth, or it could deliberately stand out with a bright metallic finish. Ask your dentist about your options when they recommend that you get a crown.
And if you’re looking for an experienced, reliable, and friendly dentist in or near Springfield, Missouri, contact Wilkinson Dental. Our team will give you the personalized treatment you deserve using state-of-the-art technology. Schedule your first appointment today by calling 417-708-0556 or requesting an appointment online. We look forward to hearing from you!