People often speak of having a crown fitted – but what is a crown in dentistry? And what do you need to know before you undergo the procedure?
If you have a cracked, decayed, or broken tooth, a crown is used to help strengthen the tooth and make it look better too.
Crowns are made from different materials, with each type having its own pros and cons. Materials used include metals (gold, for example), porcelain, resin, and zirconia. These can be used alone or in combination.
During the dental crown procedure, your local dentist will reshape your tooth, often by removing some of the enamel – so that the crown fits perfectly over the tooth and can be securely bonded without any gaps.
When Are Dental Crowns Recommended?
Teeth problems can appear at any stage of life and can cause a wide variety of problems for you. Whether you want to strengthen a weak tooth or restore your smile, a crown might be the perfect solution. It’s a multipurpose answer to many tooth-related issues, such as:
- supporting weak, cracked, worn-down, or broken teeth
- adding stability to a dental bridge
- hiding discoloured or stained teeth
- protecting a tooth after a root canal
- shielding a dental implant
Because a crown covers the tooth and is securely bonded in place, it’s an excellent way to combat poor oral health, add strength where it’s needed, and improve the appearance of your smile, which in turn can improve your overall confidence.
Types Of Materials You Can Choose For Your Dental Crown Procedure
While you can choose the materials you prefer, some may be better suited to your particular oral health needs than others. Discussing this with your dentist before your procedure will ensure you know what to expect and they take your preferences into consideration. Your dentist will make an accurate impression or scan of your tooth so that technicians can make the crown to fit your tooth perfectly. This is a standard procedure dentists do often, but it’s better to ensure the material used is right the first time.
Metal crowns – can be made from gold, palladium, nickel, and chromium and they are the most long-lasting of all the crown materials. They’re strong enough to deal with the forces involved in biting and chewing while suffering from very minimal wear and tear.
This is a popular material for back teeth because of this. But often, the very noticeable colour can deter people from using this type of crown to cover visible teeth.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns – have all the strength of a metal crown, but the outside is coated in porcelain. This coating can be coloured to match the unique shade of your natural teeth so that it doesn’t appear noticeable when you talk and smile.
Pressed ceramic crowns – contain a core of strengthened ceramic rather than metal. The crown is then built up using layers of ceramic. The result mimics the look of natural teeth so that you don’t have to worry about the appearance of your smile.
Resin crowns – are the most budget-friendly option – but they’re also more fragile and prone to breakage. Dentists often opt for resin crowns as a temporary measure while you wait for your permanent fixture.
In Summary – What Is A Crown In Dentistry?
A dental crown is a cover (that looks like a mini-crown) used to protect your natural teeth. It might be a good idea to go through the dental crown procedure if you have cracked, decayed, or broken teeth that cause you pain or discomfort. They can also be used to cover highly stained or discoloured teeth. If you feel you would benefit from a crown, arrange a dental check-up and speak with your dentist about your concerns.
