The practices in modern dentistry involve a combination of art, technology, and precision. One of the best advancements in dentistry is the dental crowns (which are also called dental caps). These small restorations have unique powers to repair, reinforce, and transform smiles.
If you have a broken tooth, a tooth that has recently been treated with root canal therapy or you want to regain your smile’s functionality and appearance, dental crowns may be ideal for you. Let’s converse about dental crowns materials and procurements, process, and their respective health benefits.
What is a dental crown and when do you need one?
A dental crown is custom made tooth-shaped cap that sits physically atop your damaged, rotten or unsightly tooth. A dental crown restores any tooth’s essential shape, size, strength and appearance as preferred.
Dental Crowns are common for:
- Badly decayed tooth that cannot be preserved by a filling restoration
- After root canal therapy to restore protection of tooth.
- Chipped, cracked or worn teeth
- Cosmetic to improve the appearance of discolored and misshaped teeth
- As an element of a dental bridge
- As an element of an dental implant
Dental crowns are also a definitive long-term restoration option for preserving teeth and maintaining functioning for the long-term.
Materials Used in Dental Caps: Which is Best for You?
Choosing the material for your new crown is important for a number of reasons: durability, function and aesthetics. Each material has its own specific advantages:
1. Porcelain Crowns
• Best for front teeth because of their lifelike look.
• Porcelain can mimic the translucency of your natural enamel.
• Porcelain is stain resistant.
• Porcelain is brittle and doesn’t hold up well if there is high bite pressure.
2. Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns (PFM)
• Porcelain exterior but has a metal base for additional strength.
• Floating among metal strength and natural look.
• There may be a metal line you can see (over many years) at the gum line.
3. Zirconia Crowns
• Very strong and crack-resistant.
• Can be used on both front or back teeth.
• It has color-matching capabilities when bonded.
• It is often recommended for grinders and clenchers.
4. E-Max (Lithium Disilicate) Crowns
• All-ceramic type crown
• Best for cosmetic dental restorations.
• It is the strongest all-ceramic material compared to porcelain.
• It has great aesthetics.
5. Gold or Metal Crowns
• Very strong, durable and long-lasting.
• Most likely used for molar teeth.
• During the procedure, less tooth is removed when using a gold crown.
• Not ideal to use in a visible area because of aesthetics.
Your dentist will make the best recommendation for you based on your tooth’s position, bite force, aesthetics and budget..
The Step-by-Step Process of Designing and Fitting a Dental Crown
Creating a perfectly fitting crown is both an art and a science. The crown must blend with your existing teeth and restore proper bite and function.
Step 1: Tooth Exam & Preparation
First, x-rays are taken to evaluate the condition of the tooth.
• All broken and decayed areas of the tooth are removed.
• The tooth is shaped to create space for the crown to be placed.
Step 2: Impressions Taken
• I either digitally or physically make an impression of the tooth and your bite.
• A custom crown is designed using this information.
• A temporary crown is placed to provide protection for your tooth.
Step 3: Crown Construction
- In a dental lab, technicians construct your crown utilizing CAD/CAM technology or other methods.
- I would expect this to take anywhere from 1-2 weeks unless your dentist provides same day crowns.
Step 4: Final Fitting and Cementation of the Crown
- We try on the permanent crown and check the fit and bite, making any adjustments necessary.
- I will cement it to your tooth once you approve the final fit and tooth color.
In summary, the entire process ensures that we have provided a crown that fits perfectly while replacing the natural tooth and function of the natural tooth.
How Dental Crowns Improve Your Smile and Oral Health
Crowns are considered restorative dental treatments that can change your life – crowns can improve the aesthetics and function of your teeth!
🔹Functional Benefits:
- Make weak, broken, or broken teeth strong again
- Help you chew and talk again
- Provide protection from further damage to vulnerable teeth
🔹Cosmetic Benefits:
- Better shape and color for your tooth to match your other teeth
- Can repair severe stains or defects
- Can restore the look of a symmetrical smile
🔹Long Lasting:
- Crowns can last 10-15years, maybe longer if you take care of them.
- Crowns resist fading and will hold up to normal wear and tear.
What to Expect Before, During, and After the Procedure
Most patients do very well with the crown appointment. Here are some things you can expect:
Before:
• Local anaesthesia is given, so the appointment is virtually without pain
• Tooth may feel slightly sensitive after preparation
During the procedure:
• Will have your mouth open for about 45–90 minutes depending on complexity of the crown,
• Temporary crown for 1–2 weeks
After the procedure:
1. May have slight discomfort, and/or may need to adjust your bite.
2. Avoid sticky and hard foods for 1–7 days (or until you can see the dentist for a bite adjustment).
3. After the procedure May resume brushing and flossing around the crown as normal.
Regular dental appointments will help us monitor the condition of your crown and overall dental health..
Care Tips for Dental Crowns
To maximize your dental caps:
- Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Gently floss around the crown (even consider floss threaders or other aids)
- Savorfully refrain from chewing pens, ice, or other hard objects
- Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth
- See your dentist every six months for check-ups
Dental Crowns: a blend of technology and customization
Crowns today are precisely contoured to fit the unique shape, color and spatial orientation of your natural teeth. With new digital impressions, computerized imaging, crowns can now be made faster, more accurately and more comfortably than ever before.
Your smile is customized, and so should be your crown. Your dental crown is now part of your dental ecosystem, beautiful, strong and functional; with the proper wearing, material and expertise.
Is a Dental Crown Right for You?
If you have a damaged, decayed, or cosmetically flawed tooth, a dental crown might be the ideal solution. It’s a powerful blend of restorative science and artistic design—bringing your smile back to life.
Speak to your dentist today to see how a crown can protect your teeth, enhance your confidence, and offer long-lasting results.
