A healthy mouth means a happy and confident smile. When one of your teeth is compromised by decay or infection, a dental crown is a great treatment option to help restore it back to health.
What are crowns?
Dental crowns are covers or caps that are placed over a tooth, or over an implant. The crown will help to protect your tooth and restore your smile’s natural beauty. A discolored tooth can be restored. A tooth that has undergone extensive treatments, such as a root canal, can be strengthened and protected.
Your dentist will ensure that your new crown has been crafted specifically for you, and will ensure that the color on it blends in well with your natural teeth.
What are crowns made of?
There are a number of different materials that can be used to make permanent crowns. They could include resin, stainless steel, ceramic, or even a combination of porcelain that has been fused to a metal base.
Gold crowns have long been used, due to the durability and hypoallergenic properties of the metal. They aren’t always the most aesthetically appealing choice and are often better for being used on back teeth where they aren’t that noticeable.
Cost is often one of the leading factors to consider when it comes to choosing a crown. Your timeline for the crown, along with your general and dental history can also play a role in the types of materials used to craft your dental crown.
Are you a candidate for a crown?
There are a number of dental concerns that will make a tooth a good candidate for a crown.
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A gap that needs a bridge; a crown can help to strengthen the teeth that the bridge is affixed to
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A large cavity that will result in an altered appearance of the tooth once repaired
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Covering a dental implant
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A weakened, cracked or discolored tooth can be protected
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A root canal treated tooth can be restored and protected by a crown
What is the process for a crown?
There are quite often several steps involved, and a minimum of two visits to your dentist is often needed in order to complete the process. Your dentist will, first and foremost, ensure that any decay or damage to your tooth is removed. A crown will protect your natural tooth, but only if it is already healthy to start with.
An impression will be made to ensure that your new crown fits perfectly, and offers you that flawless smile. A temporary crown may be placed, to protect your tooth and keep your smile looking more natural while your crown is being custom-made.
Once ready, your crown is bonded in place, and adjusted to ensure that it’s comfortable and gives you that natural look that you need to smile.
