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Dental crowns protect and restore damaged teeth by placing a cap over the affected tooth. When fillings aren’t enough to address the issue, dental crowns can be made from a variety of materials, such as metals, porcelain, resin, and ceramics. Dental crowns don’t require special care over time, unlike other dental procedures, but regular oral hygiene is still necessary.
As time passes, teeth can become damaged due to various reasons, such as tooth decay, injuries, or natural wear and tear. This can cause teeth to lose their shape or size. Dental crowns are designed to cover teeth like a snug hat, restoring their strength, size, shape, and appearance.
Once the dental crown is created, it’s cemented into place over your tooth, covering the visible part of the affected tooth.
Why would I need a dental crown?
There are several reasons why you may need a dental crown, such as:
- Protecting a weakened tooth from breaking due to decay or holding together a cracked tooth.
- Restoring a broken or severely worn-down tooth.
- Supporting a tooth with a large filling and minimal remaining tooth structure.
- Anchoring a dental bridge in place.
- Concealing misshapen or severely discoloured teeth.
- Covering a dental implant.
- Covering a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment.
What are onlays and 3/4 crowns?
Different types of dental crowns can be used, including onlays and 3/4 crowns, which don’t cover as much of the underlying tooth as traditional crowns. These options may be appropriate when the tooth still has a solid structure, making them a more conservative approach compared to full coverage. With onlays and 3/4 crowns, the affected area is removed, and the tooth is reshaped to receive the crown.
What are dental crowns made of?
Dental crowns can be made from various materials, including:
Metal:
Gold, palladium, nickel, and chromium are some metals used for crowns. Metal crowns are durable, resistant to chipping and breaking, and require minimal removal of tooth structure. However, their metallic colour may not be aesthetically pleasing, making them more suitable for molars that are not visible when you smile.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal:
These crowns have a porcelain exterior that matches adjacent teeth' colour. They are less noticeable than metal crowns, but the metal underneath the porcelain can sometimes show through as a dark line. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns can wear down opposing teeth over time and may chip or break.
All-resin:
Resin crowns are the least expensive option but can wear down faster and are more prone to breaking than porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns.
Pressed ceramic:
These crowns offer the most natural colour match and are ideal for people with metal allergies. However, they may not be as durable as porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns and can wear down opposing teeth over time. These crowns have a strong inner core and a porcelain exterior for a natural colour match. They are more long-lasting than all-porcelain crowns and don’t have a metal liner like porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns.
How long do dental crowns last?
A crowned tooth doesn’t need any special care. However, the underlying tooth still needs to be protected from decay or gum disease. Because of this, you should continue to follow good oral hygiene practices. These practices include brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day — especially around the crown area where the gum meets your tooth. Also, avoid biting on hard surfaces with porcelain crowns (for example, chewing ice or popcorn hulls) to prevent cracking the porcelain.
