Among the most common treatments used in dentistry today are dental crowns. Whether it is a root canal, a broken tooth, or just enhancing the look of your smile, a dental crown can be just what you need. But what is a dental crown, and why do you need one? Let’s learn everything you should know about dental crowns—from what they are to the various types available.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a cap that fits over a damaged or decayed tooth. It encases the whole tooth to add strength, protect it, and enhance its appearance. Crowns are customized according to your natural tooth’s shape, size, and color to ensure a harmonious integration into the rest of your smile. They may be made of several materials based on your requirements and preferences.
A crown mainly aims at restoring a patient’s tooth to a condition and appearance close to that when you were born. This is preferably done if a tooth cracks, weakens, or has a large filling that makes it weaken. Crowns are always applied after a root canal for massiveness so that the treated tooth will be powerful and stable in the oral cavity.
Why Might You Need a Dental Crown?
This will be required when a tooth requires protection or restoration. The reasons for a dental crown may vary, and this is why several of the reasons are stated:
- In cases where decay or damage is weakening a tooth, crowning can be the best protection against breakage. Moreover, a crown can hold together parts of a cracked tooth.
- When a tooth has been worn out or is fractured, a crown can reshape and restore the functionality of that particular tooth to normal.
- If a tooth has a huge filling and only a little part of the original tooth remains, a crown can hold it together so it will not break down.
- Crowns help keep a dental bridge in place and fill gaps caused by missing teeth.
- If a tooth is aesthetically wrong, crooked in appearance, or questionable in color, crowning can enhance its appearance and make it look like any other of your teeth.
- After placing the dental implant, the coverage of the prosthetic implant with a crown is done to regenerate the functional and aesthetically pleasing tooth.
- Crowns can also be used for purely aesthetic reasons, such as changing the tooth’s shape, size, or color.
Crowns Can be Used on Baby (Primary) Teeth for Children in the Following Cases:
- A crown can help save a baby’s tooth that has become very damaged from decay and cannot hold a filling.
- A crown can help protect the teeth of children who are at risk of developing defective teeth, especially if they struggle with simple oral hygiene.
- Crowns can minimize the requirement of general anesthesia and multiple visits with a child whose behavior, history, or age has made the process of care a challenge to deal with.
What Types of Dental Crowns Are Available?
There are different types of dental crowns, and they vary depending on their pros and cons. There are stainless steel crowns and metal alloy crowns like gold, porcelain-fused-to-metal, resin, or ceramic crowns. Let’s discuss each of them in detail.
1. Stainless Steel Crowns
Stainless steel crowns are prefabricated and ready to use. They are used on most adult teeth when the permanent crown is being prepared. In children, stainless steel crowns are usually used to cover a primary tooth that has been prepared for the crown.
They protect the tooth from further decay until it falls out naturally when the permanent tooth comes in. The advantage of stainless steel crowns is that they are relatively easy to install and cheaper than custom-made ones. They also do not require several dental visits. The disadvantage is that these crowns are not as aesthetically pleasing because they appear metallic.
2. Metal Crowns (Gold or Alloys)
Metal crowns are made from alloys that include gold, platinum, or other materials like cobalt-chromium or nickel-chromium. These crowns are extremely strong and perform well in resisting the forces from biting and chewing.
Therefore, they will last for a long time and are unlikely to chip or break. The major con is their metallic color, which may not blend in with the rest of your teeth. They are best for back teeth, which won’t be seen due to the metallic color. Although they are strong and durable, metal crowns can sometimes be pricey, especially when made of gold.
3. Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns
These crowns combine metal strength with a porcelain outer layer, which can be color-matched to the surrounding teeth, making them a great option for people who want a natural look. However, porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns can cause more wear on the opposing teeth than other types. The porcelain part can also chip or break.
The possible drawback of these crowns is that sometimes if your gums recede, the metal below the porcelain will show through as a dark line around the gum line. They are frequently used for both front and back teeth and also for long bridges where the strength of metal is needed.
4. All-resin Crowns
These are less costly compared to others; therefore, it becomes an alluring option for a few. Nonetheless, they wear out eventually and fracture readily as opposed to ceramic-polymer crowns. They may not last long but often serve as a short-term solution or when saving money is a priority.
5. All-Ceramic or All-Porcelain Crowns
These crowns offer the finest natural color as they are fabricated from porcelain, and they provide a good answer for people experiencing metal allergies by being used even for the front as well as the back teeth due to the natural appearance, as the crowns hold no metal composition. However, they may not be as strong as metal crowns, so they might not be the best choice for back teeth that endure a lot of pressure.
Temporary vs. Permanent Crowns
Temporary crowns
Temporary crowns are usually completed in your dentist’s office and are meant to be a temporary replacement until the permanent crown is set. Most of these are made of acrylic material or stainless steel.
Permanent crowns
Permanent crowns, on the other hand, are usually made in the dental laboratory. They are designed to last longer. Your dentist will place the temporary crown to protect the tooth until the actual permanent crown is prepared for this reason.
Conclusion
Dental crowns are a practical solution for restoring function and appearance to a damaged or decayed tooth. Several different types of dental crowns are available, so you can find the type that best suits your needs and personal preferences.
Whether it’s a front tooth or a back, there’s one that could be used. If you think a crown might be right for you, speak with your dentist to explore your options and find out how a crown can improve your smile and oral health.