Dental crowns are caps for damaged or unsightly teeth. Covering the natural teeth protects them and restores their natural shape when the damage is too extreme for a mere filling to fix. Crowns can be made of metal, ceramic, porcelain, or resin, and once they are installed, they are maintained as normal teeth.
Types of Dental Crowns
Crowns are available in a variety that caters to the many shapes and sizes of damaged teeth. A traditional crown covers the entire tooth, fitting snugly over the tooth and cemented in. If, however, most of the tooth remains intact, an onlay or ¾ crown may be sufficient. In such a case, the dentist removes the damage or infection and reshapes the tooth before the crown is placed. Your dentist will know which kind of dental crown is best for your teeth’s needs
Available Materials
Not all dental crowns are created equal. Each of the materials available for the process have pros and cons. If you require multiple crowns, they do not all need to be made of the same material.
Metal
Metal crowns are usually made from nickel, chromium, gold, or palladium. Metal is certainly the most durable material for crowns, taking the longest time to wear down with regular tooth use. Metal’s main drawback is its obvious nature. Metal crowns are never mistaken for real teeth due to their metallic color. People often choose metal for the back molars where they are less likely to be seen.
Porcelain or Ceramic
Porcelain or ceramic crowns are good for matching the color of real teeth. Those with a metal allergy may find these a better option. They are not as strong as other kinds of crown material, yet they do wear down the teeth they rub against more readily than metal or resin. People usually choose porcelain or ceramic crowns for their front teeth.
Resin
Resin is often the least expensive material from which to make crowns. The flip side of that is that they are not always as strong.
How Is a Crown Installed?
Installing a dental crown is generally a two-part process. Scans need to be taken, either X-rays or 3D imaging, to determine the soundness of the tooth. If decay is extensive or the risk of infection is present, the dentist may decide a root canal is necessary. Once those have been taken care of, the rest of the tooth receiving a crown must be prepared.
The natural tooth must be shaped to accommodate the crown. Generally this means filing down the edges so the crown fits in the space. However, if the natural tooth is misshapen or too worn down, it can be built up with a filling material. A mold is made of the final shape, and that is used to make the crown. While the patient awaits the final crown, the dentist will make a temporary crown to protect the tooth being treated.
On the second visit, the dentist installs the permanent crown. He or she takes off the temporary one before checking the fit of the permanent one. If everything is in order, the crown is cemented into place. The dentist may numb the area with a local anesthetic. Once the seal sets, the crown functions as an integral part of the smile, as part of the tooth.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns help you get back on track after teeth have sustained serious damage or decay. They restore the functionality of damaged teeth and protect weak teeth from further damage. They can also help hold a dental bridge in place. If you need a dental crown, Covington Dental Arts in Riverton, Utah is here to help.
