Dental crowns are essential in modern dentistry for restoring the strength, function, and appearance of damaged or weakened teeth. These custom-made caps fit over the entire tooth, providing protection and improving its appearance. When a tooth has been severely affected by decay, fracture, or root canal treatment, crowns offer an effective solution for restoring the tooth’s integrity. Crowns are available in different materials, such as porcelain, metal, and zirconia, offering many benefits. Each material is selected based on the patient’s needs, preferences, and the location of the tooth being restored.
Types of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are made of various materials, each offering distinct benefits depending on the patient’s specific needs. The choice of material often depends on factors such as the tooth’s location, the level of damage, and aesthetic preferences. Below are the most common types of dental crowns, each designed to restore the function and appearance of damaged teeth:
Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain crowns are highly valued for their natural appearance. They mimic natural teeth’ color, translucency, and texture, making them an excellent choice for visible teeth, especially in the front of the mouth. These crowns are custom-crafted to match the color and shape of surrounding teeth, providing a seamless and aesthetically pleasing restoration. While porcelain crowns offer superior aesthetics, they may not be as durable as metal crowns, making them better suited for teeth that do not undergo heavy chewing pressure.
Metal Crowns
Metal crowns, often made from gold or other strong alloys, are known for their durability and strength. They are highly resistant to wear and tear, making them ideal for back teeth subjected to significant chewing forces. Although metal crowns are less aesthetically pleasing due to their color, they are incredibly durable and can last longer than other materials. The strength of metal crowns makes them less likely to chip or break, offering a reliable solution for patients who need a long-lasting restoration.
Ceramic Crowns
Ceramic crowns are similar to porcelain in terms of their aesthetic benefits but are often considered more durable. These crowns offer a natural look while enhancing strength compared to traditional porcelain. Ceramic crowns are an excellent choice for front and back teeth because they blend seamlessly with natural teeth, offering more durability. The material’smaterial’s strength also makes ceramic crowns more resistant to fractures than porcelain crowns.
Zirconia Crowns
Zirconia crowns are one of the strongest materials available for dental restorations. Made from a crystalline form of zirconium, they combine metal’s durability with porcelain’s aesthetics. Zirconia crowns are highly resistant to cracking and wear, making them ideal for patients requiring strength and a natural appearance. They can be used for both front and back teeth, providing a long-lasting solution that can withstand the demands of everyday use.
Resin Crowns
Resin crowns are the most affordable option for dental crowns. They are often used temporarily while waiting for a more permanent restoration or when the cost is a significant concern. While resin crowns offer a more economical alternative, they are less durable than porcelain, ceramic, or metal crowns and may wear down more quickly. They are typically used in areas that do not undergo as much pressure, like front teeth, or as temporary restorations.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns offer numerous advantages for individuals with damaged or weakened teeth. These durable restorations provide both functional and aesthetic benefits, improving the appearance and strength of teeth. Crowns are an effective solution for repairing a broken tooth or enhancing a smile. Below are some of the key benefits dental crowns provide:
Restores Tooth Functionality
Crowns restore the strength and functionality of damaged teeth, allowing them to perform essential functions like chewing and speaking. The crown provides a firm, durable surface that makes the tooth capable of handling normal wear and tear. It ensures that the tooth can perform its role without causing discomfort or difficulty.
Enhances Appearance
Crowns are ideal for improving the appearance of discolored or damaged teeth. They are custom-designed to match the color and shape of surrounding natural teeth. By blending seamlessly, crowns help restore a uniform and attractive smile.
Durable
Dental crowns are crafted from highly durable materials, ensuring they can withstand the pressure of daily use. They are built to endure chewing and biting forces without wearing down. With proper care, crowns can last for many years, often between ten and fifteen. To prolong the longevity of the crowns:
Maintaining the Durability of Dental Crowns
Although dental crowns are durable, they still require proper care and attention to prevent damage. Following a few simple habits can help keep your crowns in optimal condition and maintain overall oral health.
Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush
Using a soft-bristled toothbrush protects your dental crowns from unnecessary wear during cleaning. Hard bristles can cause abrasion to the crown’s surface and the gumline. Gentle brushing preserves the integrity of your crown while maintaining healthy gums.
Use Non-Abrasive Toothpaste
Abrasive toothpaste can scratch the surface of your crowns, diminishing their smooth appearance over time. Choosing a toothpaste specifically designed for dental work helps maintain their polished look. This simple adjustment keeps your crowns looking and feeling natural.
Stay Hydrated for Saliva Production
Keeping hydrated supports natural saliva production, which helps wash away food particles and neutralize acids that could harm your crowns. A moist oral environment protects the bond between your crown and natural tooth. Staying hydrated is an easy way to enhance overall dental health.
Avoid Using Teeth as Tools
Using your teeth to open bottles, tear packages, or hold objects can place undue stress on your dental crowns. This habit can lead to cracks or dislodgment of the crown. Being mindful and avoiding such actions prevents unnecessary damage.
The Process of Getting Dental Crowns
Getting a dental crown typically involves multiple steps to ensure the tooth is properly prepared and fits securely. The process starts with examining and preparing the affected tooth and then creating the crown. Once the custom crown is ready, it is carefully fitted to the tooth. The process of getting dental crowns involves:
Tooth Preparation
The first step in the dental crown process is tooth preparation. During this visit, the dentist will examine the affected tooth and may take X-rays to assess the extent of the damage. The tooth will then be reshaped to ensure the crown fits properly and comfortably. If necessary, the dentist will remove any decayed or damaged parts of the tooth. This step may involve trimming the tooth to allow enough room for the crown to fit securely over it.
Creating the Crown
After the tooth has been prepared, the dentist will take an impression of it, which is sent to a dental laboratory where the custom crown is fabricated. This process can take several days, so the dentist may provide a temporary crown to protect the tooth while waiting for the permanent one. The dental laboratory uses the impressions to craft a crown that fits the tooth’s specific shape and size.
Fitting and Cementing the Crown
Once the permanent crown is ready, the dentist will check its fit and ensure it aligns appropriately with the other teeth. Adjustments will be made to ensure the crown is comfortable and functional. Once the fit is confirmed, the crown is cemented using a strong adhesive. The dentist will make sure everything is aligned properly before the procedure is completed.
What to Avoid if You Have Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are durable restorations that can last many years with proper care. Still, to ensure their longevity, avoiding certain habits and foods that could potentially damage or compromise the crown is essential. Taking a few precautions can help your dental crowns remain intact and functional for a long time. Here are some things to avoid if you have dental crowns:
Chewing on Hard Objects
One of the most important things to avoid with dental crowns is chewing on hard objects like ice, pens, or hard candies. These can place excessive pressure on the crown, leading to cracks, chips, or dislodging. Hard foods like nuts or raw vegetables can also put undue strain on the crown, especially if made of porcelain or resin.
Biting Down on Non-Food Items
It’s important to avoid biting down on non-food items such as fingernails, pencils, or bottle caps. These actions can cause significant damage to your dental crown or the underlying tooth structure. The pressure from habitual teeth grinding or clenching can negatively affect your crown.
Sticky or Chewy Foods
Foods like caramel, taffy, or chewing gum can stick to your crown and pull at the edges, potentially dislodging it or weakening the bond. Sticky foods can also lead to plaque buildup, which can cause decay around the crown. Enjoying these foods in moderation and avoiding prolonged contact with your crown is best.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Neglecting oral hygiene around your crown can lead to plaque buildup and gum disease, affecting the surrounding areas and the crown’s longevity. It’s crucial to brush your teeth twice a day and floss around your crown to prevent decay from forming at the edges. Regular visits to the dentist will also help keep your crown and surrounding teeth in optimal health.
Consuming Staining Foods and Drinks
Certain foods and drinks like coffee, tea, red wine, and berries can stain natural teeth and crowns over time. While porcelain and ceramic crowns resist staining better than other materials, limiting your intake of staining substances is still important to maintain the crown’s natural appearance. Rinsing your mouth with water after consuming these foods can help minimize staining.
Restore Your Smile With Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are an effective and long-lasting solution for restoring damaged or weakened teeth, helping to enhance both the function and appearance of your smile. With the proper care, dental crowns can offer lasting protection and improve your confidence in your smile. Investing in a dental crown restores your tooth and ensures your smile stays strong and beautiful for years.
Discover more about maintaining a healthy, beautiful smile by exploring helpful tips and expert advice on our Meader Family Dentistry blog today!
