Dental crowns, popularly known as tooth caps, are a type of dental restoration covering the top portion of the tooth. Our teeth can broadly be divided into two parts. The upper part which is visible in the oral cavity is known as the crown. The lower part is embedded in the jaw bones and is known as the tooth’s roots.
A dental crown restoration covers and restores the top portion of the tooth, thus restoring its shape, size, colour and strength.
What are dental crowns made of?
Dental crowns can be made from a variety of dental materials such as:
Metal:
Dental crowns can be made from nickel, titanium, cobalt, or gold. Gold crowns were once extremely popular due to their property of being noble metal. Stainless steel crowns also gained huge popularity due to their longevity and resistance.
However, the biggest disadvantage with metal crowns is aesthetics. The appearance of metal is not considered aesthetically pleasing and cannot be used to restore front teeth.
Porcelain fused to metal:
Porcelain is one of the strongest dental materials and can be manipulated to match natural teeth shade. In these types of crowns, the core is made of metal, and over it, a coating of tooth-coloured porcelain is done. These crowns offer better aesthetics; however, the porcelain tends to chip due to wear and tear, revealing the metal underneath.
These crowns can be used to restore front as well as back teeth. All-ceramic/All-Porcelain: These crowns offer the best aesthetics out of all types of crowns. They are completely made from porcelain and be manipulated very well to match the appearance of natural teeth. They look realistic and pleasing. However, they are not as strong and are generally reserved for front teeth.
Pressed ceramic:
These crowns have a strong inner crown. The inner metallic core is replaced with ceramic in the making process. Then a coating of porcelain is given. These provide excellent aesthetics and are long-lasting.
Why are dental crowns given?
Dental crowns are given to restore a tooth’s shape, size, colour and strength. They can be given to restore a tooth after root canal therapy or conceal huge fillings. They are also recommended for treatment for broken and chipped teeth.
Pros of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are one of the most commonly given restorations, and rightfully so. They offer a plethora of advantages and restore a tooth’s integrity.
- Dental crowns can be used to restore a tooth after a huge filling. Huge filling comprises a tooth’s strength and functionality and risks breakage. In such cases, dental crowns protect the teeth and prevent further damage while effectively restoring the tooth’s aesthetics.
- Helps protect teeth after a root canal treatment.
- Dental crowns are used to hold broken teeth together. Once a tooth chips or fractures, it loses its strength and may also be accompanied by pain. In such a situation, dental crowns can help to hold the tooth together and protect them from further damage, thus extending its life in the oral cavity.
- It can help conceal extremely discoloured teeth and provide better aesthetics.
- Dental crowns help restore complete functionality like chewing and speech.
- A well-made crown lasts for a long duration, more than 15 years in cases of metal crowns and 7-8 years in cases of ceramic crowns. Some may even last a lifetime with proper care.
- Dental crowns can be used to reshape misshapen and crooked teeth.
- Dental crowns are used to restore dental implants.
Dental crowns are used to hold broken teeth together. Once a tooth chips or fractures, it loses its strength and may also be accompanied by pain. In such a situation, dental crowns can help to hold the tooth together and protect them from further damage, thus extending its life in the oral cavity. It can help conceal extremely discoloured teeth and provide better aesthetics.
A well-made crown lasts for a long duration, more than 15 years in cases of metal crowns and 7-8 years in cases of ceramic crowns. Some may even last a lifetime with proper care.
Cons of Dental Crowns
With all the good also comes a little bad, and the same is true even for dental crowns in Markham. In this section, we shall look at the disadvantages associated with dental crowns. The biggest con of a dental crown is that a lot of healthy tooth structure is also lost in the process of preparing the tooth.
To place a dental crown, the intended tooth has to be shaped and filed. At times, a healthy tooth structure also has to be removed to ensure a well-fitted crown. Due to this, some patients may experience sensitivity and discomfort during the initial phase post crown placement. If this happens to you, please consult your Markham dentist at Bur Oak Dental.
They will prescribe a medicated anti-sensitivity toothpaste to help with sensitivity. If the crown is not made well, that is, if it’s made too high or too bulky, it will push the opposing teeth and cause pain.
This can also hurt your jaw joint. If the crown is made a little short, it interferes with proper chewing. At times, the crown may chip away or wear off. This is often the case with porcelain fused to metal crowns and all ceramic crowns.
Sometimes, the cement that is used to fix the crown may wear off, which may dislodge the crown. However, these problems can be easily fixed.
We hope this blog gave you the needed insight into the world of dental crowns. If you have any more questions, please reach out to us. Our team of excellent dental professionals will be there to assist you in your journey to better oral health.