Also often called a cap, a dental crown is most often a tooth-colored restoration created to cover and protect a damaged natural tooth. A dental crown can strengthen the tooth, improving its functionality, appearance, and the bite alignment in your mouth. If you have a damaged tooth, your dentist might recommend protecting the tooth with a dental crown. Depending on your unique situation, distinct types of materials are available for the crown to restore your tooth.
Some Reasons to Get a Dental Crown
You might benefit from a dental crown for a variety of reasons. Here are a few suggestions:
* To restore a broken tooth or a tooth that has become worn down.
* To protect a weaken tooth from decay, or from breaking after a crack.
* To support a tooth with a large filling.
* To secure and support a dental bridge in place.
* To cover a misshapen or discolored tooth.
* To complete a new dental implant.
* To improve a cosmetic modification.
The Dental Crown Procedure
A dental crown placement usually just requires two appointments.
At the first visit your dentist will discuss your crown options. The choice might depend on factors such as the crown’s location in your mouth, your bite, and the gum tissue. They will trim off some of the enamel surface of the tooth to make room for the crown to fit properly. Next an impression is made, as a guide, and sent to a dental lab where your final dental crown is custom fabricated. A temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth until your permanent crown is finished.
During the second visit your dentist will remove the temporary crown and make sure the final crown meets approval before cementing it into place. Your crown will function just as your natural tooth did.
The Different Types of Dental Crowns
Your dentist will advise you on which material, or combination of materials, will work best for you and your lifestyle.
* Porcelain-Veneered Zirconia- Are natural-looking, strong, and low in cost. The porcelain is prone to chipping, which might aggravate the adjacent teeth.
* Ceramic (porcelain crowns)- These can match your natural teeth color the best to restore a healthy smile for front teeth. It can be prone to chipping as well and is susceptible to grinding teeth.
* Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM)- This material offers long-term durability, provides a secure bond to the tooth, and the metal framework provides strength. The porcelain is also prone to chipping.
* IPS e.max (Lithium Disilicate)- This material will not require a porcelain veneer. It is not as strong or tough as the other materials and is often limited to the back teeth.
* Gold Alloy- The strongest of materials offered along with base-metal alloy, it will not fracture or wear down any teeth. It is a costly option with the copper and other metals mixed into the gold alloy and will not look natural.
* Base-Metal Alloy- Also the strongest of materials, it will not fracture, it is gentle on the adjacent teeth, it is resistant to corrosion, and requires the smallest amount of tooth to be removed for proper fit. It will not look natural and can also be costly. For the temporary dental crown dentists most often will use a resin crown.