Thinking about getting a dental crown treatment? There are a few things to know before you proceed, so we’ve put together this guide to help you make an informed decision.
What are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a type of dental restoration which completely caps or encircles a tooth or dental implant.
Dental crowns often provide support when the health of a tooth or the tooth itself has become weak.
Some causes of weak teeth that may require a dental crown procedure include decay, losing a filling, a fracture/crack from an accident or undergoing root canal therapy.
A traditional crown installation enables restoration of the natural function of your teeth while enhancing the appearance of your smile. A crown is most often used for rehabilitative surgery. However, we are seeing more and more people choose them in cosmetic dental procedures to enhance their smile.
While crowns are commonly used for restoring damaged teeth, more and more people are using them to enhance their smile with cosmetic dentistry, and improve their oral health.
How does a tooth crown work?
By reinforcing the tooth structure with a crown, we not only halt the ongoing weakening of the tooth but also boost its natural function and look.
Modern crowns are made of a variety of materials depending on the application and are inarguably beneficial to dental health by preventing long-term complications or complete loss of the tooth.
Crowns can also be used to enhance the physical appearance of a smile by removing gaps, discolouration and misshapen or crooked teeth.
What are the main advantages of a dental crown procedure?
Crowns are the strongest possible solution for damaged and/or weak teeth and if installed correctly should provide long lasting natural function. A tooth crown is made to match the colour and shape of your natural teeth or can be used to cosmetically enhance your smile.Why would I need a Dental Crown?
There are many reasons why you may need one or more dental crowns. Some common reasons are:-
Broken tooth due to tooth decay
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Severely damaged tooth due to decay
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Misshapen, infected, cracked or unsightly tooth or teeth
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Discoloured tooth or teeth
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Root canal treatment
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Fractured tooth
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Broken cusps
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Excessive wear and tear of tooth
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Large filling required
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Cosmetic Improvement
It’s also important to know that we always recommend treatment as soon as possible if dealing with a weak or decayed tooth as late treatment may require more expensive treatment options such as dental implant surgery to prevent bone loss.
No matter what your reasons, it’s important you seek professional advice. A professional dentist will be able to offer you expert advice and options that you may not be aware of.
This is why we give you a no obligation free consultation to give you all the information you need to make an informed decision.
Even if you don’t decide to go ahead with your treatment you’ll have gained valuable insight into your options.
What’s involved in a Dental Crown Procedure?
Dental crown procedures can vary depending on the situation but generally, most dental crown treatments will follow these 5 stages:Colour Matching
A digital image is taken of your existing teeth to get a proper colour match of your tooth so your new crown matches the colour of your natural teeth, and if you have a missing tooth, it will blend in seamlessly.
Dental Crown Preparation
Before a tooth can be fitted with a crown, it must be ‘prepared’ to fit the crown. Depending on the material used, the tooth will have to be modified by removing some of the existing tooth or built up to support the crown in cases of missing, chipped, decayed or implant restorations.
The tooth is either reduced in size by 0.5mm to 1.5mm or a build up material is layered on the natural tooth to replace significant tooth density if the existing tooth is smaller than normal.
Teeth Mould
A mould is taken of both upper and lower teeth then sent off to a laboratory where the crown is custom made for your tooth.Temporary Dental Crown Placed
A temporary dental crown is placed on your tooth until the final custom colour matched tooth is ready to be installed.Final Crown Placed and Adjusted
After the custom crown is received, the crown is fitted and then adjusted to your bite. After this, a special cement adhesive is used to secure the crown and ensure a perfect long lasting fit.Are there different dental crown types?
There sure are. Depending on the positioning, application and condition of the tooth, different materials can be used to achieve the right treatment. We usually work with three major types of crown listed below.Temporary Dental Crowns
Temporary crowns can be made of either a chemical cure composite or an aluminium crown form. The main function of a temporary crown is to protect the weak tooth, prevent teeth shifting, provide cosmetics, shape the gum tissue properly, and prevent sensitivity.
A temporary crown will be cemented with a soft temporary dental cement to allow for easy removal when changing to your custom permanent crown.
Metal crowns
Normally placed on teeth that cannot be seen and where the utmost strength is required. A metal crown can be made from different materials but we choose either cast gold alloy or milled titanium. Metal crowns are commonly used and provide the most strength.Porcelain crowns
The porcelain crown is the most commonly used type of crown. They are excellent for back teeth but are not used as often on front teeth. They combine good strength and durability with a natural look.Ceramic crown
A newer material that looks superior to traditional and porcelain crowns. Ceramic crowns are more biocompatible with the body meaning a greater lifespan and less chance of complication.What are the benefits of dental crowns?
Crowns offer many benefits from restorative dentistry like fixing a root canal and protecting teeth, to cosmetic dentistry purely for aesthetic reasons. Some common benefits include:-
Reduces the chance of the tooth breaking or splitting due to decay
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Holds together a severely broken or cracked tooth
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Protects worn teeth whilst improving oral health
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Anchors the dental bridge to increase bite strength and align teeth
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Masks tooth discoloration or staining
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Fixes misshapen teeth, crookedness, chips, cracks and fractures
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Fortifies teeth against sensitivity, aches or soreness
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Is a minimally invasive procedure and relatively straightforward
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Typically has a long lifespan with minimal complications