What is a dental crown
A dental crown is a common type of dental restoration that covers an existing tooth that has been damaged or broken.
Reasons you may need a dental crown include:
- Your tooth is weak
- Heavily filled
- Cracked
- Worn from grinding
- Stained or discoloured
- To improve the shape and strength of the tooth
Types of dental crowns
There are several types of crowns. The most common types of crowns are
- Metal Crown
- Hybrid Crown (Metal and ceramic)
- Porcelain or Ceramic Crown
There are advantages and disadvantages for each type so make sure you talk to your dentist which one is best for you.
Metal crowns are made of, well metal. Metal crowns, ideally Gold are the strongest of crowns. They are the most conservative when preparing the teeth and being a metal, they don’t wear or breakdown as easily so generally last the longest. The drawback however is the appearance. So generally these can be used on the back teeth that are typically out of sight.
Cosmetic crowns are made of porcelain or ceramic because they are designed to mimic the look and feel of natural teeth. These are used when looks are a high priority. Although not as strong as the metal crowns, they can last over 10-15 years on average with appropriate care. These are often used in ‘Smile Makeover’ cases along with porcelain Veneers.
Hybrid crowns consist of a metal framework overlaid in porcelain. These are commonly used when a patients occlusion (bite) is unfavourable for a ceramic crown (such as for grinders where they may be more likely to fracture the ceramics) but incorporates the best of ‘both worlds’.
How long does a dental crown procedure take?
A dental crown generally takes 2 appointments to complete. At the first appointment the tooth is prepared, then impressions are taken and a temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth until the ‘real’ crown is finished.
The impressions are sent to skilled technician who custom makes a dental Crown to fit your tooth perfectly.
This process can take 1-2 weeks.
At the second appointment the temporary crown is removed and the final crown is bonded to the tooth.
Your mouth or crown may feel awkward for a few days until the feel of the new crown ‘sinks in’. However after a few weeks your crown should feel exactly like a normal tooth.
How long do dental crowns last?
Dental crowns can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years of longer, depending on a few factors, such as the type of crown used, the quality of the placement, and the person’s oral hygiene habits.
To ensure your crown lasts as long as possible, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice daily, flossing, and visiting the dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.
If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist.
For further questions, visit our website or give our team at Dentistry on Coolum a call. 07 54461616