A dental crown, or dental cap, is a form of dental rehabilitation that completely caps or encloses a tooth or dental implant. Before deciding on a budget or location for your crowns you should be sure that crowns are the right solution for your teeth issue. You will have to do a thorough examination at a dental office, where the dentist will evaluate your particular situation, and advise you on possible treatments.
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Generally, some of the most common issues that dental crowns can fix are:
Weak teeth after severe decay or cavity
To cover an implant
To replace a large filling
To fix a natural tooth that is damaged or cracked
A tooth that had a root canal treatment (especially posterior teeth)
To align your bite
For aesthetics purposes: to level the shape, size, and color of your teeth
What is the Process of Getting a Crown?
Usually, if you need a custom-made crown, you’ll need to see your dentist a few times. The doctor cannot make your crowns in one visit unless they have a state of the art device that allows them to make your crowns in one visit.
The process may vary for each type of dental crown, as well. In general, getting a crown involves:
Preparing your tooth, which can involve the removal of decay, a root canal, or both.
Taking a mold of your tooth so that the crown fits the exact shape of your tooth.
A temporary restoration method is used to protect the tooth while the crown is made. You should take good care of this temporary cap by avoiding eating hard or sticky foods to prevent it from cracking.
In about a week, your dentist will have the crown ready.
Types of Dental Crowns
You can have a dental crown with or without an implant needed. The main types of crowns used in dentistry include:
1. Gold crowns
Gold crowns are actually a mix of copper and other metals, such as chromium or nickel. The main advantage of gold crowns is how strong and durable they are.
Gold crowns are usually a good choice for back teeth restoration, where they won’t be as visible because of their poor aesthetics.
ADVANTAGES of Gold Crowns:
Strong and highly resistant
They last a long time if well cared for
Less of your natural tooth needs to be removed to place them
They wear down slowly, similar to the natural enamel
They are a good choice for back teeth, especially second molars
DISADVANTAGES of Gold Crowns:
They don’t look like a natural tooth
Gold alloy crowns can cause allergic reactions or swelling
2. All Porcelain Crowns
This is now the most popular choice of crown. They are fully made of porcelain material and give a very pleasant natural look.
ADVANTAGES of Porcelain Crowns:
Porcelain or ceramic crowns give the most natural look
They match with your natural teeth size, shape, and color
The best option for restoring the front teeth
They are toxic-free so no allergic reactions or other side effects
DISADVANTAGES of Porcelain Crowns are:
Not as strong as metal crowns. Porcelain crowns can last a long time, but they require good care.
Not a good choice for patients who grind or clench their teeth
They are more expensive
3. Porcelain Fused-to-Metal Crowns (PFM)
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns are also widely used in dentistry. They are both very strong, due to the metal inside and natural-looking, because of the porcelain cap.
ADVANTAGES of PFM crowns are:
Natural-looking and durable
They’ve been used for over 50 years, so they have been proven to work well
They are cheaper than all-porcelain crowns
DISADVANTAGES of PFMs are:
The metal in these crowns may cause a grey line at the gum line, causing them to look less natural than all-porcelain crowns
Not a good choice for patients who grind or clench their teeth because they may wear down faster
4. Zirconia Crowns
Zirconium is a newer material that has the strength of metal with the look of porcelain crowns. High translucent zirconia and layered zirconia crowns are a trendy type lately.
ADVANTAGES of Zirconia Crowns are:
Good aesthetics
Strong and long-lasting
The process of getting them is faster because zirconia can be cut and shaped at the same dental office, don’t require a dental lab
Not likely to cause allergic reactions
DISADVANTAGES of Zirconia Crowns include:
Their strength can cause the teeth they bite against wear down easily
Solid Zirconia may be hard to adjust
5. E- MAX: Lithium Disilicate Crowns
The newest type of crown in dentistry now is the E -Max. They are a kind of all-ceramic crown made of lithium disilicate which is light and thin.
ADVANTAGES of E-max Crowns are:
Great aesthetics
Durable and very strong
Good choice for both front and back teeth
DISADVANTAGES of E-Max Crowns include:
They can be more expensive, especially for the dentist who may include the cost in your bill
There have been reported failed treatments using E-Max for posterior teeth, especially when doing multiple teeth
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