Dental crowns can be a crowning glory for one’s smile, like an ornate diadem adorning a monarch’s head.
A dental crown is a cap that covers a damaged or decayed tooth, restoring its shape, size, and strength and improving its appearance.
Dental crowns can benefit one’s oral health, making them a popular choice amongst patients and dentists alike.
This article will explore the benefits of dental crown procedures, their placement, the types of crowns available, how to care for them, and potential alternatives to dental crowns.
What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped ‘cap’ placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Dental crowns can be made of various materials, such as gold, porcelain, ceramic, metal, and even a combination of those materials.
Once a permanent crown is cemented into place, it completely encases the visible portion of the tooth. This helps to restore the tooth’s natural appearance and strength.
To place a crown, a dentist must first prepare the tooth by removing any decay or weakened enamel. This process creates an ideal surface to apply the crown and ensures that the crown fits properly. The dentist will then create an impression of the prepared tooth, which is sent to a laboratory to create the crown. The crown is then fitted and cemented into place by the dentist.
Gold crowns are the most durable as they withstand wear and tear better than other materials. However, they are also the most noticeable. Porcelain and ceramic crowns are popular due to their ability to blend with other natural teeth and provide a more natural appearance. Metal crowns are also an option and are more economical and durable than porcelain crowns.
To maintain the longevity of a dental crown, it is important to practice proper oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly. Moreover, regular dental check-ups are essential to ensure that any decay or damage to the tooth crowns is caught and treated early. With proper care, dental crowns can help improve and protect oral health for many years.
The Benefits of Dental Crowns
Adorning one’s smile with a dental restoration can offer many benefits. Dental Crowns are one such restoration that can repair and restore the natural structure of a tooth. This crown type of dental restoration is available in various materials, such as ceramic, which is the most common material used. It is also available in other materials such as gold, base metal alloy, and porcelain fused to metal.
Fitting a dental crown for the patient requires a physical impression to create the crown. It is then sent to a lab for the crown to be created and fitted. The ceramic material used for the crown is also available in different shades to imitate the natural colour of the teeth. Filling materials like gold is used if a root canal treatment is completed, as the material is extremely durable and long-lasting.
The benefits of dental crowns are numerous. It helps to protect the remaining structure of the tooth, restore its original shape and size, and also helps to reseal the tooth after a root canal procedure. It also helps to prevent further damage and extensive decay of the tooth. This is why dental crowns are a preferred choice for restoring the natural structure and beauty of the teeth.
Dental crowns can help improve the patient’s oral health and enhance the smile’s beauty. The different materials used to create dental crowns make them a versatile and reliable restoration option. They are also long-lasting and can be used to restore and protect teeth from further damage.
How Are Dental Crowns Placed?
Placing dental crowns requires a multi-step process to ensure proper fitting and secure adhesion to the underlying tooth structure. The process typically involves multiple dental visits to complete.
At the first visit, the dentist will evaluate the patient’s oral condition, take a dental impression of the tooth, and then order the type of crown needed.
The adjacent teeth will be prepared during the second visit, and the crown will be fitted. After the crown is secured, it will be cemented to the adjacent teeth with dental cement. Depending on the tooth’s condition, the dentist may need to treat the root canal before placing the crown.
There are several dental crowns, such as gold alloy, metal alloys, ceramic and all-porcelain crowns. Gold alloy crowns are the most durable and can withstand the most wear. Metal alloys are also very strong and durable but tend to be less aesthetically pleasing. Ceramic and all-porcelain crowns are more aesthetically pleasing and are often used for front teeth.
When selecting a crown, the dentist will consider the patient’s needs, such as bite, function, and aesthetics. The dentist will also assess the condition of the tooth and adjacent teeth to determine what type of crown is best suited. The patient’s budget is also taken into consideration.
Once the crown is placed, it is important to practice proper oral hygiene to maintain it and prevent further damage to the underlying tooth structure. It is also important to visit the dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. With proper care and maintenance, dental crowns can improve the health and appearance of the patient’s smile.
Types of Dental Crowns
There are several distinct varieties of dental crowns, each offering varying levels of durability, aesthetics, and cost, with gold alloy crowns providing the most resilient protection akin to a suit of armour.
Ceramic crowns are made of porcelain and are ideal for front teeth, as they provide an excellent aesthetic appearance and are stain resistant.
All-porcelain crowns are the most aesthetically pleasing, as their colour is closest to natural teeth but are not as resilient as metal crowns.
Metal dental crowns are made of high-noble alloys such as gold or platinum and are the most durable but less aesthetically pleasing.
Resin dental crowns are the least expensive but least durable and may discolour over time.
CEREC same-day crowns are made of a combination of materials and are more aesthetically pleasing than metal crowns while providing the strength and durability of metal crowns.
Whether the need is for a more durable restoration or a cosmetic/aesthetic appearance, a type of dental crown can meet the patient’s needs.
High-noble alloys, such as gold or platinum, are the most expensive and most durable, while non-noble alloys, such as nickel and chromium, are less expensive and less durable.
Porcelain and all-porcelain crowns offer the best aesthetic and cosmetic appearance, while resin crowns provide the least expensive option.
CEREC same-day dental crowns combine the best of both worlds, offering a combination of materials that provide strength and durability while maintaining a more natural aesthetic appearance.
With so many options available, finding a dental crown that fits the patient’s needs and budget is easy.
Caring for Your Dental Crown
Properly caring for a dental crown is essential for preserving its strength and aesthetic appearance. To ensure a successful result and long-term oral health, special attention must be paid to the condition of the crown and the surrounding teeth.
It is important to maintain excellent oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist for professional cleanings. In addition, it is important to take precautions when eating and avoid substances that may cause damage to the crown or the teeth.
For those with a temporary crown, such as a stainless steel crown, it is important to take extra care to ensure it is not lost or damaged. Additionally, if there is any indication of an allergic reaction to the crown, it is important to contact the dental office immediately.
Crowns come in various materials, such as all-ceramic, custom, and zirconia crowns. Each material comes with its own care instructions and should be followed closely. In addition, crowns can also be made from base-metal alloys, which require special care to ensure their colour does not fade.
Remember that dental crowns are designed to last many years, so proper care is essential. Following the care instructions provided by the dental office and practising good oral hygiene habits, the crown can be preserved and maintained for many years.
Taking the proper steps to care for a dental crown can preserve the restoration and improve overall oral health. Regular check-ups and cleanings can help ensure a successful outcome for the crown and a healthy smile.
Alternatives to Crowns
Replacing a dental crown with an alternative restoration can be an ideal solution to restore the shape and strength of a damaged tooth. There are several options for those looking for alternative treatment options to dental crowns, including:
- A dental implant is a piece of metal or porcelain inserted into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth.
- A dental bridge is two crowns placed on either side of a gap in the teeth, with a false tooth in the middle.
- A dental filling can be used to repair weak or decayed teeth or to replace a tooth that has been damaged or lost.
In cases where the tooth has extensive tooth decay or gum disease, a dental crown procedure may still be necessary. However, these other options may be more suitable for those looking for alternatives to dental crown procedures. Fillings can help restore a weak tooth’s functionality, while a bridge or implant can replace missing teeth.
In any case, it is important to seek the expert advice of a qualified dental professional to ensure the best possible outcome. A patient’s oral health should be a top priority, and understanding the different alternatives to dental crowns can help to ensure that the right choice is made. By understanding the various alternative options, patients can decide which is best for them.
Key Takeaways
The decision to get a dental crown can be big, but its benefits can be life-changing. Dental crowns protect weak teeth, restore your smile, and even improve dental health.
Before deciding to get a dental crown, it’s important to consider the type that best fits your needs and ensure you properly care for your crown after it has been placed. A dental crown can last for many years with the right care and maintenance.
But how do you know if a dental crown is right for you? Ultimately, the decision is yours.
Look no further than Flash Dental in Mount Eden, Auckland, for your chosen dental treatments. Our experienced dentist in Mt Eden are committed to providing the highest quality of care for your crowns and teeth. With our commitment to excellence, you can rest assured that your crowns will look and feel their best for years to come. Contact us today to schedule a dental appointment and take the first step towards restoring your smile!
