If you or your loved ones have been advised to get a dental crown, this article will give you all the information that you require concerning about dental crowns.
About Dental Crowns
A dental crowns is a cap that covers the damaged tooth. It protects, covers and restores the shape of your teeth. Crowns are generally made of metal, porcelain, resin or ceramics. Whether it is the front teeth or the back, a non-differentiable transition is what you should aim for, for a seamless smile. Several factors determine the type of crown; they are:
- Price
- Strength
- Durability
You can discuss the best fit for you with your dentists. When secured in situ it fully encases the whole visible portion of a tooth that’s above the gum line. They typically do not require any special care, other than regular good oral hygiene.
Do You Need a Dental Crown?
One needs a crown when they have a big or deep cavity that is too big for a filling. One may also need a crown if your tooth is:
1.A weak tooth, possibly from decay
2.Broke tooth or a severely damaged tooth
3.Requiring an outsized filling and not much tooth remaining
4.Holding a dental bridge in place
5.Misshapen or severely discoloured
Crowns are also advised after a root canal because the tooth is exposed and needs protection. You may be a candidate for a crown if you have a missing tooth, and the dentist needs to put in a dental bridge or a tooth implant.
Types of Dental Crowns
While selecting the type and material for your crown, your dentist will consider factors such as:
- The location
- The position of your gum tissue
- The functionality of the tooth that needs a crown
- The colour of the surrounding teeth
Based on the above circumstances, the latter type of crowns are advised:
Temporary Dental Crown
A temporary crown is exactly what it sounds like; it’s a crown that stays for a short span. Your dentist will place it over your tooth with an easily removable adhesive while you’re waiting for a permanent crown. The permanent crown is placed on your tooth at the next appointment.
One-day Crown
You can get the crown fixed in a day’s appointment. This is possible using computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM).
Onlay or 3/4 Crown
Some crowns only cover a part of the tooth. If you don’t need a full crown, your dentist might advise an Onlay or 3/4 crown.
What are Dental Crowns Made Of?
Gold Crowns:
Gold crowns are an amalgamation of copper and other metals, such as nickel or chromium. The main advantage of a gold crown is its strength and sturdiness.
Advantages of gold crowns:
- Strong
- Durable
- They affect quite slowly, a bit like natural enamel
Disadvantages of Gold crowns:
- Poor aesthetics
- Gold alloy crowns can cause side effects such as allergic reactions or swelling
Porcelain Crowns:
These are the most popular type of crowns used because of their natural aesthetic.
Advantages of porcelain crowns:
- A natural fit
- The best option for front teeth restorations
- They are biocompatible: which means they are free of toxins.
Disadvantages of porcelain crowns:
- Need to be maintained well
- Patients that suffer from bruxism should choose gold of PFM
- Costlier
Porcelain Fused-to-Metal Crowns (PFM):
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns are another widely used kind of dental crowns. They provide both strength and aesthetics.
Advantages of PFM crowns:
- Aesthetic and durable
- Have proven good results
- They are less costly than all-porcelain crowns
Disadvantages of PFM crowns:
- Might cause a grey line on the gums
- Not suitable for people that clench their teeth
Zirconia Crowns:
Zirconium is a comparatively new material that mixes the durability of metal with the looks of porcelain crowns. Translucent zirconia and layered zirconia crowns have become a popular choice recently.
Advantages of zirconium crowns:
- Great aesthetics
- Strong and long-lasting
- Easier process
- They are biocompatible: will not cause allergic reactions.
Disadvantages of zirconium crowns:
- Can wear against grinding teeth
- Difficult to adjust.
E- MAX: Lithium Disilicate Crowns
It is a relatively new crown. It is a sort of all-ceramic crown made up of lithium disilicate.
Advantages of e-max crowns:
- Great aesthetics
- Durable and very strong
- Suitable for both front and back teeth.
Disadvantages of e-max crowns:
- Expensive
- Dental Crowns Procedure
Dental Crowns Procedure
The Multi-Day Procedure:
1.With a standard crown, you’ll have to visit your dentist’s office twice.
2.The dentist prepares the tooth that needs the crown.
3.This involves taking X-rays, trimming the tooth and taking a mould.
4.The dentist will put a short lived crown over your tooth to guard it.
5.They send the impression to a lab that creates the crown. This step may take several weeks.
6.When the crown comes in, you’ll need to return for the second visit, so that your dentist can cement the crown to your tooth.
Same-Day Procedure:
- With a same-day procedure, you’ll skip the temporary crown step.
- The dentist takes digital pictures of your mouth.
- Using the digital scan from the photos, the dentist creates the crown right there within the office. You may have to wait for an hour or two, until the crown is formed.
- Once the crown is prepared, your dentist sets it in place. The process takes about 2 to 4 hours.
- A same-day procedure is a comparatively newer procedure, and not all dentists perform this.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
Typically, dental crowns last from 5 to 15 years. The lebensraum of a crown can depend upon the quantity of “wear and tear” the crown is exposed to, how well you follow oral hygiene practices and private mouth-related habits. These oral habits can include:
- Grinding or clenching your teeth.
- Chewing ice.
- Biting your fingernails.
- Using your teeth to open packages
A dental crown is a long-lasting restorative treatment. It’s best that you consider doing it in the best and skilful way. Weigh in all necessary factors, keeping cost aside, before deciding on the type of crown. Keep in mind that a good material crown and an experienced doctor will increase its longevity and keep problems away from your Healthy Smiles. Reach out to our team of experts for a one stop solution for your long lasting Signature Smiles.
At Signature Smiles, Dr Rahul Oza and his team of super-specialists are committed to providing a seamless, comfortable and pain-free treatment, all under one roof. Our facility is equipped with highly trained staff and the latest technology so that you can get the best dental treatment choice for your smile.
