All About Front Tooth Crowns

There are several situations in which you might need a dental crown placed on one of your front teeth. In most cases, front teeth receive crowns for restoration purposes. Occasionally, people request crowns for cosmetic reasons.

Most commonly, a tooth is fitted with a crown for the following reasons:

For molars, your dentist might recommend a porcelain fused to metal crown, where porcelain is layered on top of metal. Your dentist might also suggest a ceramic or porcelain crown for your front tooth, as these materials provide a superior natural color. You might be wondering, how strong are crowns on the front teeth? While they’re not as strong as porcelain fused to metal, front teeth are subjected to less pressure than molars when you chew, so a durable metal isn't necessary.

Your dental professional will carefully match your crown to your natural teeth so it won't look out of place among your other teeth. But it’s important to note that crowns are resistant to whitening, according to the American Dental Association. So if you feel your teeth need a whitening treatment, it’s best to do this before your crown is placed. If the crown is matched to your teeth before you have them whitened, your crown will look darker than the rest of your teeth.

The material used for your crown can also ensure a realistic look. Porcelain crowns are the most natural-looking since the porcelain reflects light in much the same way as natural enamel. By contrast, as explained by theCanadian Agency for Drugs and Technology in Health, metal bonded with porcelain tends to look more opaque and less realistic, as does tooth-colored resin.

Taking care of a crown on a front tooth isn't much different than caring for your other teeth. Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, clean between your teeth daily with floss or another interdental device, and regularly visit your dentist to ensure the crown remains stable and undamaged. 

You should also take extra care not to damage the crown, as some seemingly harmless habits could chip or crack the porcelain, including chewing on ice, biting your nails, and using your teeth to open packages. Also, avoid foods and beverages that could stain your teeth like coffee, tea, and red wine. Tobacco products can also stain teeth. Although porcelain does not stain easily, the adjacent teeth can become discolored, making the crown stand out.

Overall, don't be afraid that a front tooth crown will ruin your smile—in fact, with today’s technology, a front tooth crown should look natural and restore your smile to its sparkling beauty.