Dental crowns are among the most effective and versatile types of dental restorations. Larchmont and New York City, NY, dentist Dr. Joel Levy discusses crowns and explains when they're recommended.

What are crowns?

Crowns cover teeth on all fours sides and are often used to restore and stabilize damaged teeth or improve the appearance of teeth marred by flaws. Although some people prefer gold crowns, many people in Larchmont and New York City opt for porcelain, a less expensive and more natural-looking option. Porcelain crowns are created in a dental laboratory by technicians who use a mold of your teeth.

Why do I need a crown?

Dentists recommend crowns for a variety of reasons. If you have a very large cavity, a filling, inlay or onlay may not be large enough to cover the damaged area, unlike a crown. Crowns don't just hide cosmetic issues, but also stabilize teeth and prevent fractures that can threaten the health of your tooth. They're often recommended if your tooth is fragile, brittle, cracked or chipped. Biting forces can eventually fracture weak teeth. Crowns help prevent fractures by supporting the fragile tooth and evenly distributing pressure that occurs when you chew.

Fractured teeth aren't very attractive and make eating difficult, particularly if you fracture a molar. Crowns cover the broken edges of teeth, restore the height of the tooth and improve your smile. Crowns are also used to lengthen short teeth, treat fractured fillings, strengthen a tooth after a root canal and conceal a variety of imperfections.

Would you like to find out if a crown is a good option for you? Call dentist Dr. Joel Levy at (212) 834-9534 to make an appointment in his Larchmont, NY, office or (212) 986-2287 to make an appointment in his New York City office.