Dental crowns: When and why, you need one
A dental crown is a conventional dental prosthesis also known as a cap, used primarily as a durable means of restoring, strengthening, and aesthetically masking compromised teeth. If a tooth is chipped, cracked, decayed, or discolored, a crown will repair, strengthen and beautify the tooth. In this article, you will learn what dental crowns are, when you may require them, and what makes them worthwhile.
What is a dental crown?
A crown is a custom-fitted covering that replaces a damaged tooth either partially or entirely to give it the correct contour, size, durability, and shape. Usually constructed from ceramic, porcelain fused to metal, zirconia, or resin, crowns are intended to mimic natural teeth in form as well as function. They are constructed to sit on the outer part of the tooth, visible to people, and provide a shield that is not noticeable.
Dental crowns are used frequently in restorative and esthetic dentistry as they combine a framework for reconstructive purposes and a cosmetic component. These aren’t created in some standard size and simply fit into the mouth of the patient; they are made according to the specific shape and color of the rest of your teeth.
When do you need a dental crown?
Different types of dental crowns exist, and your dentist may prescribe one for several reasons. Here are some common scenarios in which a dental crown might be necessary:
1. To Protect a Weak Tooth
Cavities, suppurative odontalgias, fillings that take up a major part of the tooth cross-section, cracks, or old restorations significantly compromise the tooth’s resistance. In this case, a crown can shield these weak teeth since it adds a layer on the existing tissue thus enhancing strength to breakout and extraction. Sparing canine teeth Mandibular canines should be preserved for the guidance of the lower anterior teeth since they cannot receive cuspids as guidance from the lower arch. Crowns are particularly valuable for teeth with big fillings where there is almost negligible dental stroma remaining.
2. To fix a chipped or worn-out tooth:
It may be due to an injury or is worn down from grinding (bruxism), a crown will be helpful in the reshaping of the tooth. It becomes a covering that safeguards the tooth from further wear and facilitates easy chewing and speaking.
3. To Cover a Dental Implant:
Dental implants are titanium screws inserted into the jaw to support replacement teeth or to hold a bridge in place. After three to six months the implant merges with the bone and the final restoration, that is the crown is placed. The crown is made for your natural teeth and dental requirements; therefore, replacement of the lost tooth offers both uses as well as esthetic sense.
4. To Support a Dental Bridge:
In cases where you have a gap due to missing teeth, a dental bridge can stand in for this space by cementing replacement teeth to the neighboring ones. Most crowns are cemented on the neighboring teeth or pillars as they are referred to in the case of the bridge. It helps to restore the bite, keep other teeth in place, and provide the patient with an aesthetically pleasing smile.
5. Cosmetic reasons as to how a tooth may be shaped:
Crowns are not just necessary for functionality; they are also used for aesthetic purposes. If your tooth is decayed or cracked, severely chipped, crooked, stained, or irregular in shape, this solution will help. Veneers are generally preferred less than crowns if more bulk is required.
Types of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are categorized based on the materials used in their production and every material has its peculiarity. The use of a crown depends on the location of the tooth, the appearance you want, and the money factor. Here are some common types:
1. Porcelain or Ceramic Crowns
Porcelain and ceramic crowns are great since they mimic the natural tooth color and therefore can be applied to anterior teeth. These crowns resemble the natural dentition because they are translucent; they can be tinted to blend with the surrounding teeth. They are also appropriate for patients with metal allergies.
2. Metal Crowns
There are more traditional metal crowns that are made of gold, nickel, or palladium alloys with high durability and long-term stability on teeth. While not esthetic for anterior teeth, they are very hard-wearing, and little tissue structure needs to be removed in preparation for this type of crown. They are mostly applied on the molars, teeth that come under the most significant force when people bite.
3. Translucent-Crowns = Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns
PFM crowns can incorporate the mechanical property of metal with the esthetic appearance of porcelain. Metal is utilized for the base, and porcelain is used for the outer part, giving the item a natural look. These crowns, while being a better composite of the two are still not ideal as the base is metal and occasionally a dark line appears at the gumline when the gums shrink.
4. Resin Crowns
They are inexpensive but not very durable and over time they wear off easily compared to other preserved crowns. These crowns are normally utilized in circumstances in which a permanent crown is being made use of in the interim.
5. Zirconia Crowns
The newer material is zirconia crown that is coated in contradiction gives strength as well as esthetic. It is wear-resistant, biocompatible, and characterized by a very high degree of durability. Zirconia crown is commonly preferred in both anterior and posterior regions, more particularly for the patients who look to opt for the naturally esthetical and more long-wearing crown.
Step-by-Step guide to getting a dental crown
Dental crowns have many benefits which make this treatment effective for several dental problems. Here are some of the key benefits:
1. Restores Functionality
Dentists said crowns restore functionality of regained teeth and one can bite and chew with ease. It can enhance your capacity to accommodate a wide-ranging diet and partake in a regular diet, minus the botheration.
2. Prevents Further Damage
Crowns are effective in protecting the remaining portion of a damaged tooth from other additional fractures, wear, or caries. It may take a long time before a particular tooth will require more severe treatment for this reason.
3. Enhances Aesthetics
Dental crowns conform to the color, form, and size of the neighboring teeth to look like natural teeth. They can end up surprisingly improving the appearance of teeth that are stained, chipped, or abnormally shaped.
4. Provides Long-Lasting Results
Dental crowns can last up to 10-15 years or more if taken good care of. It is a long-term idea for dental health and people with teeth that might require removal of them for whatever reason.
Guide on Obtaining a Dental Crown
2. Taking Impressions
Next, after the tooth has been finally shaped, the dentist makes a cast, or a mold of your teeth using either a rubbery material or through OptiCAD. These impressions are taken to a dental laboratory where your crown is prepared. A temporary crown may be placed on you to guard the tooth and strengthen it before the final crown is cemented.
3. Crown Placement
In your second session with your dentist, the temporary crown is taken off and your new crown is tried on for fit as well as color. Once you agree with the shade of the resin it will then be cemented into place over your natural teeth. Any alterations that may be needed to have a correct bite and comfortable fit will be made by your dentist.
Caring for Your Dental Crown
To make your crown last as long as possible, follow these care tips:
- Practice Good Oral Hygiene: To maintain good oral hygiene brush your teeth twice daily and clean the interdental space using floss. It is most important to note that a case should be made of the area where the crown is at risk of decaying at the gumline.
- Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods: Crowning is a formidable method of attachment however it does not make crowns infallible. Do not bite hard objects like ice or sticky foods because they can unseat or harm the dental crown.
- Visit Your Dentist Regularly: A regular dental appointment gets your dentist to check on the progress of the crown and notice any problem at an early stage.
This is a well-liked and highly effective method of rehabilitation of teeth that are damaged or worn out or have an unaesthetic shape. It may be because of decay, injury, or esthetics, but crowns offer the opportunity to strengthen teeth and improve your smile. In short, proper dental crowns concept and oral hygiene can help you to have an excellent ornate, and perfect smile for many years.