Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are tooth-shaped “caps” that can be placed on top of damaged teeth to protect, cover, and restore the shape of your teeth when fillings don’t solve the problem. Other than good oral hygiene crowns don’t need any special care.
You will typically need to see your dentist at least twice if you want to get crowns. Your dentist will prepare the tooth that requires a crown during the initial appointment and take an impression to send to the dental laboratory. You’ll be given an interim crown. After that, you’ll make a second appointment to have your permanent crown placed.
Do I need a Dental Crown?
- If you have a large cavity that’s too big for a filling, and the structure of a tooth is compromised, a filling may not be sufficient to strengthen the tooth it may be time for a crown.
- You may also need a crown if your tooth is:
- severely worn down
- cracked
- weakened
- Crowns are also recommended following a root canal on a tooth because the tooth is more fragile and needs protection.
- You may be a candidate for a crown if you’re missing a tooth, and the dentist needs to put in a dental bridge or a tooth implant.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
Dental crowns typically last five to fifteen years. The amount of “wear and tear” crown experiences, how well you practice good oral hygiene, and your own mouth-related habits can all affect how long a crown will last. Among these mouth-related behaviors are:
- Grinding or clenching your teeth.
- Chewing ice.
- Chewing one’s fingernails.
- Opening packages with your teeth.
Dental Crowns Materials
crowns can be made out of many different materials. These materials can include:
Metal
There are several metals that can be used in dental crowns including:
- Gold
- palladium
- nickel
- chromium
Metal crowns are significantly less likely to chip or break, wear down the least quickly, and only need a small portion of your tooth to be removed. Additionally, they can withstand chewing and biting forces. The main disadvantage of this kind of crown is its metallic color. Metal crowns are a good option for molars that are out of site.
All-ceramic or all-porcelain
Compared to other crown types, these kinds of dental crowns offer the closest match to the natural tone of the tooth. They’re also a good choice if you’re allergic to metal. They lack the strength of porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, though. Additionally, unlike metal or resin crowns, they have the potential to slightly wear down the teeth next to them in the mouth. Front teeth are a good choice for all-ceramic crowns.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal
This kind of dental crown can be customized to match the shade of the teeth right next to it. Their teeth are more naturally colored. However, occasionally a dark line can be seen as the metal underneath the porcelain crown cap. Other drawbacks include the potential for the porcelain portion of the crown to chip or break off and the wearing down of the teeth next to it in the mouth. The teeth that touch the crown on the top and bottom of your mouth when it is closed are particularly affected by this wear on the other teeth. Dental crowns made of porcelain fused with metal may be a good option for front or back teeth.
All-resin
Dental crowns made out of resin are generally less expensive than other crown types. However, they wear down over time and are more likely to break than porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns.
Pressed ceramic
These dental crowns have a hard-inner core. Pressed ceramic dental crowns to replace the metal liner that’s used in the all-ceramic crown-making process. Pressed ceramic crowns are capped with porcelain, which provides the best natural color match. They’re also more long-lasting than an all-porcelain crown.
Let’s get started with Dental Crowns! Request An Appointment with a Dentist in Plymouth, Michigan
Dr. Rahaf Suede, DDS at Great Lakes Smiles Dental is trusted by many patients in Plymouth and surrounding areas for comprehensive dental care. She is recognized for her high quality dental treatment and patient satisfaction. Contact her now for an appointment Call (734) 459-9360
