At Smiles and More Dentistry, we believe in providing our patients with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their dental health.
One common procedure that many people need at some point in their lives is the placement of a dental crown. But what exactly are dental crowns, and when are they necessary?
What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a cap that covers a damaged or decayed tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns can be made from various materials, such as porcelain, ceramic, metal, or resin. They are custom-made to fit over your tooth and match the colour of your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless blend with your smile.
Types of Dental Crowns
- Porcelain Crowns: These are popular because they look most like natural teeth. They are often used for front teeth because of their aesthetic appeal.
- Ceramic Crowns: Similar to porcelain crowns, ceramic crowns are highly durable and provide a natural look.
- Metal Crowns: Made from alloys that contain gold, palladium, nickel, or chromium, metal crowns are very strong and wear-resistant. They are typically used for out-of-sight molars.
- Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns: These combine the strength of metal with the aesthetic appeal of porcelain.
- Resin Crowns: While these are less expensive, they are also less durable and more prone to fractures than other types of crowns.
When Are Dental Crowns Needed?
Dental crowns are versatile and can be used in a variety of situations. Here are some of the most common circumstances that may require a crown:
- To Protect a Weak Tooth
Teeth weakened by decay, large fillings, or fractures can benefit from the added protection of a crown. The crown encases the tooth entirely, preventing further damage and reducing the risk of breakage.
- To Restore a Broken or Worn-Down Tooth
If you have a tooth that is already broken or severely worn down, a crown can help restore its original shape and function. This is especially useful for teeth that have been subjected to heavy grinding or chewing pressures.
- To Cover and Support a Tooth with a Large Filling
Sometimes, a tooth has more filling than a natural tooth structure due to extensive decay or damage. A crown can provide the necessary support to hold the filling in place and protect the remaining tooth structure.
- To Hold a Dental Bridge in Place
Dental bridges are used to replace one or more missing teeth. Crowns are placed on the adjacent teeth to anchor the bridge securely, ensuring stability and functionality.
- To Cover Misshaped or Discolored Teeth
Crowns can be an excellent cosmetic solution for teeth that are misshaped, poorly aligned, or severely discoloured. They can provide a more uniform and aesthetically pleasing appearance.
- For Dental Implants
A crown is often placed on top of a dental implant to replace a missing tooth. The implant acts as the root, while the crown serves as the visible part of the tooth, making the restoration look and function like a natural tooth.
- After Root Canal Therapy
Teeth that have undergone root canal therapy are more susceptible to fractures because they become more brittle. A crown can protect the treated tooth and help restore its strength and function.
The Crown Placement Process
Getting a dental crown typically requires two visits to the dentist. During the first visit, your dentist will examine and prepare the tooth by removing any decay and shaping the tooth to fit the crown.
Impressions of your teeth are then taken to create a custom crown. A temporary crown may be placed to protect your tooth until the permanent crown is ready.
During the second visit, the temporary crown is removed, and the permanent crown is cemented into place.
Your dentist will ensure that the crown fits properly, looks natural, and provides a comfortable bite.
Contact Us
For more information on Dental Crowns, contact Smiles and More Dentistry today by calling 0151 420 7511.
