The field of cosmetic dentistry is constantly growing, offering more and more treatments to give patients beautiful smiles. One popular option for a breathtaking smile is porcelain dental crowns, which fix many dental concerns. If you are unhappy with your smile but don't have a treatment plan in mind yet, check out these five benefits of porcelain dental crowns to determine if they are right for you.

Crowns Can Be Placed on All Teeth

Porcelain veneers are popular because they drastically improve the appearance of your smile, but they only work on front teeth. Dental crowns can be placed on front and back teeth, making them a more versatile option. On back teeth, your dentist will likely recommend porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, which cost about $500 to $1,500. The metal gives these crowns a little more durability, which is needed for chewing. The disadvantage is appearance. As they age and gums recede, the metal may begin to show through, making teeth look discolored along the gum line. On front teeth, all-porcelain crowns are often used. They cost about $800 to $3,000. These crowns are a little thinner, but they are less durable.

Porcelain Creates a Naturally White Look

Porcelain is a great choice for tooth-colored crowns, veneers, and fillings because it can be colored to match many shades, including bright white. Therefore, if you only need one or two crowns, the shade can be blended to match your existing teeth. On the other hand, if you are getting many dental crowns, you may want a brighter shade for an instantly whiter smile. More importantly, however, porcelain has a translucent appearance like real tooth enamel, so your crowns will look more natural.

Dental Crowns Fix Many Cosmetic Problems

Porcelain dental crowns are often used to fix many cosmetic problems. If you have chips or cracks, dental crowns cover them, like veneers. This creates a more durable repair than traditional fillings. Dental crowns can also fix mild tooth alignment issues, such as overcrowding, gapping, etc. The dental crown is shaped and fitted to make the teeth look straight without moving them.

Crowns Strengthen Weak Teeth

Porcelain veneers and dental crowns fix many of the same cosmetic problems, but there is another advantage to choosing dental crowns over veneers. Dental crowns strengthen weak teeth, but veneers may actually weaken teeth, making them a poor choice for patients with weak or damaged teeth. Teeth become weak from massive decay, root canal treatment, big fillings, cracks, etc. When pressure is applied, the tooth is more likely to break or shatter, but a crown creates a protective, even barrier that redistributes the pressure evenly.

Crowns Protect Better Than Enamel

Before your dentist can place the crown, healthy tooth tissue must be removed. The enamel is filed down, permanently altering the tooth. Once placed, however, the crown works better than enamel to protect the tooth. Enamel can eventually break down, but the crown walls completely protect the vulnerable tooth from bacteria and plaque. If you fail to take care of your teeth, however, the area along the gum line may become irritated, allowing bacteria to slip under the crown, leading to decay, infection, and the need for a new crown. It's important to keep your gums and teeth clean to prevent gum recession, which may expose unprotected tooth tissue.

Everyone wants a beautiful, healthy smile, and thanks to cosmetic dentistry, there are more options than ever before to give you the smile you want. Dental crowns fix many cosmetic issues, but they can also strengthen teeth, making them a great option for people who may have weak teeth. For more information regarding dental crowns or other cosmetic dental procedures, contact a dentist like Rutherford Gregory S DDS in your area today.