Crowns

Crowns are tooth-shaped caps close in resemblance to natural teeth. They help conceal a damaged or missing tooth as well as re-establishing a full beautiful smile. They are fabricated in such a way that crowns cannot be differentiated from the surrounding natural teeth. The crowns can be taken care of easily after they are cemented in place.

Crowns become necessary when the tooth is broken to a point where a filling will not effectively regain its strength and appearance. It provides a very effective solution for major dental issues that have resulted in a severely damaged or missing tooth.

What are the different types of Crowns?

The crowns are categorized based on the material used for their make.

• Metal Crowns:They are the strongest in terms of durability and functionality. Metal crowns are made from a variety of materials ranging from steel, gold to silver. These crowns can ideally be used to hide a person's backside teeth as they can be visually unappealing and can hamper the aesthetic facial appearance.
• Porcelain Crowns:This is a popular choice for crowns as they blend in with the natural teeth, thus maintaining the aesthetic appearance. The porcelain is fused with metal for its inside for greater durability and strength. Sometimes the porcelain can develop cracks or chips and wear down along the gum line exposing the metal base.
• Ceramic Crowns: They offer another choice for those preferring a dental cap that closely resembles the natural tooth color. Similar to porcelain, it can be fused to metal or made purely from ceramic. They are not as strong as the other crown varieties and are best suited for the front teeth.
• Composite-Resin Crowns:These crowns are comparatively cheaper than the other types of crowns. The material is not strong, and hence these crowns are prone to cracking or chipping easily. The only advantage is that they provide a natural tooth appearance.

What is the procedure for the fitting of crowns?

The crown restoration takes about 2-3 appointments with your dentist. During the first check-up, the dentist will numb the tooth and reshape it so that the crown can fit in securely and comfortably. A paste is used to take an impression of the teeth and gums. These impressions are sent to a dental lab to make a customized crown. The crown is fabricated depending on the material selected, and the process may take a few weeks. Patients can wear a temporary crown until the permanent one gets ready.

Once the crown is ready, it is checked for proper fit and tooth color. The interim crown is removed, and the new crown is fitted onto the tooth. A strong adhesive will be used to cement the crown firmly to the teeth. When the entire procedure is completed, it will restore the appearance of the patient.

The crowns have to be taken care of properly. Though they restore the tooth's shape and function still, it may not be as strong as the original tooth. 

Call us at Beyond Expectation Dental or schedule an online appointment to know more about Crowns.