If you’ve ever looked up options for replacing damaged teeth, you might have heard about dental crowns. But what exactly are they? A dental crown is like a cap that covers a damaged tooth, helping to protect and strengthen it. It can be made from different materials like metal or porcelain. But getting a crown involves more than just choosing the material. Understanding the process and aftercare is essential. Let’s explore everything you need to know about dental crowns, from the types available to the procedure and how to care for them afterwards.
In this article:
- Types of Dental Crowns
- Metal Crowns
- Porcelain Crowns
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal Crowns
- Pressed Ceramic Crowns
- Zirconia Crowns
- All-resin Crowns
- Temporary Crowns
- One-Day Crowns
- Onlay or 3/4 Crowns
- Pros and Cons of Dental Crowns
- Important Considerations For Dental Crowns
- Conclusion
- Metal Crowns
Metal crowns are crafted from materials like gold, palladium, nickel, and chromium. They are good for their exceptional durability and minimal risk of chipping or breaking. Another advantage is that they require minimal enamel removal. However, people usually use them only for molars because of their unnatural appearance.
- Porcelain Crowns
All ceramic or porcelain crowns are commonly used by individuals because they closely resemble natural tooth enamel in appearance. Also, they are suitable for people who are allergic to metal. However, they are not very durable and may chip over time.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal Crowns
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns blend the strength of metal with the natural aesthetics of porcelain. They offer durability and a natural look, but they may suffer from porcelain chipping over time, potentially exposing the underlying metal. PFM crowns may also cause the enamel on the opposing teeth to wear off.
- Pressed Ceramic Crowns
Pressed ceramic crowns have a ceramic core, similar to PFM crowns, with added layers of porcelain for better aesthetics. Despite their natural appearance, they share the same drawbacks as PFM crowns, with the potential for porcelain chipping.
- Zirconia crowns
Zirconia Crowns are also a popular option because they offer exceptional durability and minimal enamel wear on opposing teeth. They are also highly biocompatible, meaning that they have no trouble interacting with the living tissue in your mouth. However, it is difficult to get them in a perfect shade.
- All-resin Crowns
All-resin crowns, though cost-effective, are more prone to breakage compared to other types. They are commonly used for temporary crowns and have a shorter lifespan of three to five years on average.
- Temporary Crowns
Just as the name implies, a temporary crown serves as a short-term solution while you wait for the permanent crown to be fabricated. Its primary purpose is to protect the prepared tooth, maintain proper alignment, and restore functionality until the permanent crown is ready. They are usually made from porcelain or metal and are affixed using temporary cement so they can be easily removed when the permanent crown is ready.
- One-Day Crowns
A one-day crown, also known as a same-day crown, is a type of crown that can be fabricated and placed in a single dental appointment. The primary benefit of a one-day crown is its convenience to patients, as it eliminates the need for multiple visits to the dentist. It also makes temporary crown placement unnecessary.
- Onlay or 3/4 Crowns
An onlay or 3/4 crown is a type that covers a portion of the tooth surface rather than encasing the entire tooth like a traditional crown. This type of restoration is used when the damage to the tooth is not extensive enough to warrant a full crown but requires more coverage than a filling. Onlays are custom-made to fit the specific shape and size of the damaged area and are typically fabricated from porcelain or composite resin.
Dental Crown Pros
1. It strengthens weak or damaged teeth and fixes issues like cavities, stress, or trauma that can weaken or damage the enamel.
2. Apart from making your teeth functional again, dental crowns also offer aesthetic benefits, especially when made from porcelain.
3. Patients experiencing dental issues often suffer from pain or discomfort; dental crowns help relieve such discomfort.
4. Compared to other dental restorations, crowns are known for their durability. With proper care, a crown can last over a decade, offering long-term restoration for the tooth.
5. Missing or damaged teeth can make basic functions like chewing and speaking hard. By restoring the tooth with a crown, these functions are significantly improved.
Dental Crown Cons
1. One drawback of dental crown placement is removing part of the natural tooth enamel. This permanent alteration means the tooth will always require protection.
2. Although crowns are durable, they may need replacement every five to ten years due to factors like decay, cracks, or loosening.
3. Like every other medical procedure, there are risks involved with dental crown placement.
What Else Should You Know About Dental Crowns?
Even though dental crowns are a common and effective restoration procedure for chipped or damaged teeth, there are other important things to consider. You may experience increased tooth sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, but this doesn’t happen to everyone. Some people may deal with being more sensitive when biting down, on the other hand.
Although crowns are intended to be permanent, their longevity varies due to external factors. There is no exact guarantee on how long your crowns will last before requiring additional restoration or replacement. However, on average, dental crowns can last for as long as ten years.
If you are one to frequently bite or chew hard foods like nuts or seeds, your crowns may stand the risk of loosening if they cannot bear the pressure (and they most likely will). On the other hand, those who exercise caution and maintain a thorough oral health care routine may enjoy a longer-lasting crown.
The procedure is not one to be jittery about, as it’s quite straightforward. You’ll also be given painkillers to help keep the pain at bay, so you don’t even have to worry about the pain.
Getting dental crowns requires a well-structured procedure and a thorough professional to help restore your damaged or decayed teeth. From the initial consultation to the final placement, each step should be carefully performed to ensure excellent results. If you’re in Turkey and are looking for a place to get the procedure done, you should book a consultation with us today. We are simply the best at what we do, and you can rest assured that we’ll have you covered from the beginning of the Dental Crown procedure till the end and even after. What are you waiting for? Contact us now!