Millions of Americans have dental crowns. These common dental restorations play a versatile role in dental care. They can strengthen weak teeth, protect damaged teeth, restore teeth function, support dental bridges, and improve teeth’s appearance.
What Is a Dental Crown?
Dental crowns are restorative, tooth-shaped caps placed over damaged or decayed teeth. (Some dentists and patients speak of “dental caps vs. crowns” to distinguish the amount of tooth structure each covers, but both terms refer to the same type of restoration.)
Crowns are made from such materials as ceramic, porcelain fused to metal, metal alloys, or resin. Dentists often make and place crowns to:
Protect Damaged or Weakened Teeth
Teeth that have undergone root canals, those with large fillings, or any fractured tooth can benefit from a crown. A crown shields the tooth’s surface, guarding the underlying structure against further damage and decay.
Restore Tooth Function
A damaged tooth may make chewing difficult or painful. A crown allows patients to bite and chew without discomfort.
Support Dental Bridges
Crowns are essential components of dental bridges, which replace missing teeth. If a tooth is lost, the adjacent teeth are often crowned to serve as anchors for the bridge.
Facilitate Dental Implants
After a titanium post is surgically placed into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth root, a crown is positioned on top to complete the restoration. This combination allows for a functional and aesthetically pleasing replacement tooth that mimics the natural tooth.
Correct Bite Issues
By shaping and placing a crown, dentists can help restore a patient’s natural bite, leading to less wear on other teeth and a more comfortable chewing experience.
Enhance Tooth Appearance
Crowns can improve the appearance of discolored, misshapen, or uneven teeth. Especially when made from materials that mimic natural tooth appearance, crowns can be an excellent choice for visible teeth, such as those in the front of the mouth.
What Are the Different Types of Dental Crowns?
The variety of dental crowns allows dentists to meet each patient’s unique dental needs, aesthetic desires, and budget.
Metal Crowns
Metal crowns are particularly strong and durable. Often composed of gold alloy, palladium, or other base-metal alloys, these crowns are ideal for molars that endure heavy biting forces because they rarely chip or fracture.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) Crowns
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns balance strength and appearance. They feature a metal structure for stability and a porcelain overlay that mimics the color of natural teeth. These crowns can be used to restore both front and back teeth.
Ceramic Crowns
Made entirely of ceramic material, these crowns provide excellent aesthetic results, especially for front teeth. Their translucency helps them resemble natural enamel. All-ceramic crowns work best in areas of the mouth that don’t experience a lot of pressure.
Zirconia Crowns
Zirconia crowns combine robustness with improved aesthetics. They are made from biocompatible zirconium oxide, increasing acceptance by the body. These crowns can withstand significant biting forces and are highly resistant to chipping, making them suitable for patients with a tendency to grind their teeth, or those needing a tooth-colored restoration for molars.
Your dentist will help you choose the type of crown that is best for your situation. They will consider such factors as the location of the affected tooth, the amount of tooth structure remaining, and your personal aesthetic preferences.
What Should I Expect When Getting Crowns?
Each step in the dental crown procedure is essential for ensuring your restoration’s fit and effectiveness.
Initial Consultation and Diagnosis
Your dentist will examine your mouth and may take X-rays to evaluate the tooth’s roots and surrounding bone. This step helps them decide whether a crown is necessary and, if so, which type best suits your needs. They will also take impressions of your teeth and send those impressions to a dental lab to guide your crown’s creation.
Tooth Preparation
Tooth preparation involves reshaping the tooth’s outer structure to accommodate the crown. The dentist removes a small amount of tooth material, especially if the tooth is significantly weakened. In some cases, if the tooth is severely damaged or you will be having a root canal procedure, your dentist may use additional support structures. This step is necessary to ensure the crown fits snugly over the entire tooth.
Temporary Crown Placement
Your dentist places a temporary crown to protect the prepared tooth while the permanent crown is manufactured. This crown is usually made from acrylic or stainless steel and is affixed with temporary dental cement. When you have a temporary crown, avoid sticky and hard foods that might dislodge it.
Permanent Crown Fitting
Once the permanent crown is ready, which can take a few weeks, you will return for placement. After removing the temporary crown, your dentist will check the fit and color of the permanent crown. They will make any needed adjustments so the crown matches your surrounding teeth and fits comfortably. Finally, they will cement the permanent crown into place.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
Designed to be durable, dental crowns can typically last between five to 15 years, depending on various factors:
- Crown Material
Porcelain crowns may wear down faster than metal or zirconia crowns.
- Oral Hygiene
Regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental checkups can prevent decay around the crown and support the overall health of your teeth and gums.
- Bite and Jaw Alignment
An improper bite, known as malocclusion, can place excess stress on crowns, potentially leading to early wear or damage.
- Lifestyle Habits
Habits such as grinding your teeth (bruxism), chewing on hard objects, or using your teeth as tools can significantly shorten the lifespan of dental crowns.
Rely on Penn Dental Family Practice for Your Crown Needs
At Penn Dental Family Practice (PDFP), we combine advanced technology and extensive expertise with comprehensive patient care to deliver customized crown solutions that meet your unique needs.
We use advanced materials and state-of-the-art techniques to ensure your crowns’ fit and comfort. Our patient-focused approach makes the process as comfortable as possible, and our cost-effective care gives you peace of mind.
Schedule your appointment online now or call us at 215-898-PDFP (7337).
