Suffering from a broken, chipped or severely damaged tooth? Then restoration of your smile is easy with Dental crowns. Among the various solutions available for dental restoration, crowns are highly regarded due to their effectiveness in addressing substantial dental issues. It is capable of restoring basic oral functionality while also ensuring a beautiful radiant smile.
From durability to aesthetics, this restorative dental treatment could be a perfect solution for you! In this comprehensive guide, we have explored dental crowns in detail and everything you need to know about them!
Understanding Dental Crowns
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are artificial caps or covers that get placed over a tooth. If the damaged tooth has been through enough trauma that has resulted in severe loss of bone structure, then these crowns are used to restore to keep it functional.
Crown on tooth covers the area completely making it resistant to wear, tear and further damage while simultaneously restoring functionality, and appearance, improving the smile, or shape according to the patient’s natural bite.
Types of Materials
When selecting the material for a dental crown, several factors come into play, including the tooth’s location, the patient’s gum tissue position, the function of the tooth needing the crown, the colour of the surrounding teeth, and the patient’s personal preference. Here’s a more detailed look at each material option:
Ceramic Crowns
Ceramic crowns are favoured for their natural colour and texture, which closely mimic that of real teeth. This makes them particularly suitable for use on the front teeth, where a cosmetic appearance is most crucial. The porcelain-based ceramic used in these crowns provides a high degree of biocompatibility, meaning they are non-toxic and not likely to cause an allergic reaction. However, while they are highly aesthetic, they might not be as strong as porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns and are best used in areas of the mouth where the biting force is moderate.
Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain crowns are highly popular due to their aesthetic appeal and ability to match the natural colour of your teeth. These crowns are made entirely from porcelain and are particularly good for front teeth restorations. They can be manufactured to match the shape, size, and colour of your teeth, providing a seamless look. While porcelain crowns offer a high degree of cosmetic appeal and are quite durable, they can be brittle under heavy biting forces, making them less ideal for back teeth.
Metal Crowns
Metal crowns are the most durable type and can withstand biting and chewing forces well, making them ideal for molars that are hidden from view. The metals used in these crowns often include gold, palladium, nickel, or chromium. Their longevity and resistance to wear and breakage are their biggest advantages. However, the metallic colour is the main drawback for those who prefer a more natural look.
Composite Resin Crowns
Composite resin crowns are generally more affordable than other types of crowns and can be coloured to match the natural teeth closely. While they are adequate for cosmetic purposes and short-term solutions, they are less durable than porcelain and metal crowns. They wear down over time and are more susceptible to fractures. Composite resin is also more prone to staining, which might require more maintenance over time.
Stainless Steel Crowns
Primarily used in pediatric dentistry as a temporary measure on primary (baby) teeth, stainless steel crowns are prefabricated and used until the permanent teeth come in. They are cost-effective and require fewer dental visits to place, which makes them convenient for both children and their parents.
Each of these materials has its specific applications and strengths, making them suitable for different dental needs and preferences. The choice of material depends largely on the balance between aesthetic desires and functional requirements.
Dental crowns play a crucial role in dental restoration by providing a solution for various dental problems. They are typically recommended in the following scenarios:
Following Root Canal Therapy – After a root canal, teeth tend to become fragile. Crowns provide the necessary protection and support.
Broken Teeth – Crowns help restore functionality and appearance to cracked or broken teeth.
Severe Decay – When teeth are extensively decayed and fillings do not solve the problem, crowns are an effective alternative.
Cosmetic Enhancement – Crowns are also used to improve the aesthetic appearance of teeth that are stained or poorly shaped.
Advantages of Dental Crown
Dental crowns offer numerous benefits, making them a preferred choice for dental restoration. Here, we will explore the key advantages of dental crowns, focusing on their durability, aesthetic and functional benefits, and the protection they offer to weakened teeth.
Durability and Longevity
One of the most significant advantages of dental crowns is their durability. Properly maintained, a crown can last between 5 to 15 years, or even longer, depending on the material used and the care it receives. The longevity of dental crowns makes them a cost-effective long-term solution for dental restoration. Factors influencing the lifespan of a crown include the material, the amount of “wear and tear” the crown is exposed to, practices like teeth grinding, and how well the crown is cared for, including regular dental hygiene and avoiding using teeth as tools.
Aesthetic and Functional Benefits
Dental crowns not only restore the look of teeth but also their functionality. Crowns are tailored to match the colour and appearance of natural teeth, enhancing a person’s smile and overall facial aesthetics. Functionally, crowns restore the ability to chew and speak properly by rebuilding the tooth to its original shape and size. They are especially beneficial in cases where tooth decay or damage has occurred, ensuring that the alignment and bite pressure are evenly distributed across the jaw, which helps prevent further oral health issues.
Protection for Weakened Teeth
Crowns provide a robust protective cover, shielding the underlying tooth from further decay, damage, or wear. They are often recommended following procedures that weaken the tooth, such as root canal therapy, where the tooth is hollowed out to remove infected pulp. A crown can significantly strengthen a tooth following such treatments. Additionally, for teeth that are cracked, worn down, or otherwise weakened, crowns offer a protective barrier, reducing the risk of further complications and the need for tooth extraction.
Same-Day Treatment
A significant advantage of modern dental crown technology is the availability of same-day treatments. This innovative approach utilises CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing) technology, allowing for the design, creation, and fitting of a dental crown in a single visit. Same-day crowns eliminate the need for temporary crowns and multiple appointments, significantly reducing the overall time and inconvenience traditionally associated with dental restorations. Patients benefit from immediate results with minimal disruption to their daily lives, making it an attractive option for those seeking quick and efficient dental care solutions.
The Process of Getting Dental Crowns
The procedure for obtaining dental crowns typically involves several steps, from the initial consultation to the final placement. Understanding these steps can help demystify the process for patients and prepare them for what to expect during their dental restoration journey.
Traditional Crown Fitting Process
Initial Consultation: The first step is a detailed examination by the dentist, where the need for a crown is identified. This might involve X-rays or other diagnostic tests to assess the underlying health of the tooth and surrounding bone.
Tooth Preparation: The tooth receiving the crown is reshaped to make room for the crown itself. This involves removing a portion of the tooth so the crown can fit securely. The amount removed depends on the type of crown used.
Impression Taking: Once the tooth is reshaped, an impression of the tooth (and surrounding teeth) is made. This mould is what the dental lab will use to create a crown that fits the tooth perfectly and matches the bite of the surrounding teeth.
Temporary Crown: While the permanent crown is being made, a temporary crown is placed to protect the prepared tooth. This crown is usually made of acrylic-based material and is not as durable as the permanent crown.
Permanent Crown Placement: Once the crown is ready, the temporary crown is removed, and the new crown is adjusted as needed to ensure a proper fit and bite alignment. The crown is then cemented into place, completing the restoration.
Same-Day Dental Crown Treatment
The introduction of same-day crowns has streamlined this process significantly. Using advanced CAD/CAM technology, dentists can now:
Scan the Tooth: Instead of creating a mould with an impression, a digital scanner is used to get a precise image of the prepared tooth.
Design the Crown: The crown is digitally designed to fit the tooth and match the bite in real time.
Mill the Crown: The crown is carved out of a ceramic block in the dental office using a precise milling machine. This process takes about 1 to 2 hours.
Place the Crown: The crown can be adjusted for colour and fit, and then immediately cemented into place.
This innovation is revolutionary considering patients can restore their smile and confidence without having to wait days.
Reasons to Choose Same-Day Crown Treatment
Patients seeking dental restorations can lap through the procedure in a single day through this innovative treatment. The benefits of this technology enhance both the efficiency and quality of dental care. Here are the primary reasons why same-day crowns are becoming increasingly popular:
Traditional Crown Fitting Process
Patients seeking dental restorations can lap through the procedure in a single day through this innovative treatment. The benefits of this technology enhance both the efficiency and quality of dental care. Here are the primary reasons why same-day crowns are becoming increasingly popular:
- Efficiency and Convenience
The most evident benefit is their efficiency. Traditional crowns require at least two visits to the dentist – one for preparing the tooth and taking the impression, and another for placing the permanent crown. This process can span several weeks. Same-day crowns, however, eliminate the waiting period. The entire process, from tooth preparation to placing the crown, is completed in just one visit. This not only saves time but also reduces the hassle of multiple dental appointments and temporary solutions.
- Accuracy and Customisation
The digital scans create a detailed 3D model of the tooth, which is then used to design the crown with great precision. This ensures that the crown fits perfectly without extensive adjustments. Moreover, the colour of the crown can be closely matched to the existing teeth, providing a natural look that is difficult to distinguish from real teeth.
- Immediate Results and Patient Satisfaction
Patients greatly appreciate seeing the results of their dental restoration immediately. It provides instant improvement in both aesthetics and function, which contributes to higher patient satisfaction. There is no need for temporary crowns, which can often be less comfortable and less effective in function. Patients leave the clinic with their final, high-quality ceramic crowns in place, feeling more confident and pleased with the outcome.
To sum it up,
The effectiveness and versatility of dental crowns make it a wonderful choice for people looking to restore their oral functionality.
For those considering this dental restoration option, it is advised to consult with a professional dentist clinic in Sydney such as All Cosmetic Dental for more guidance. In your initial visit itself, you will get a personalised treatment plan that caters to your restorative needs with a complete understanding of the treatment.
Contact us today to schedule your initial visit with a professional today!