Both restorative and cosmetic dentistry use dental crowns. This will protect any remaining tooth material and provide a new appearance, feeling, and function.
Dental crowns (sometimes called caps) are hollow artificial teeth that are placed over an existing tooth.
Permanent & Temporary Crowns
There are many reasons for crowning teeth, including cosmetic reasons. Crowns can also be used to secure and protect vulnerable or damaged natural teeth, for example, teeth with cracks or extensive fillings. They can be used to hold dental bridges or to cover dental implants. Crowns can also be used after another dental procedure that weakens the tooth structure, such as a root canal.
Crowns can be either temporary or permanent. Provisional crowns are often used to protect teeth that are threatened by decay or injury. While temporary crowns can be designed and made in a dentist's office, permanent crowns are made in a dental laboratory. Crowns restore function and beauty to teeth in many cases.
Types of Crowns
Permanent crowns can be made from a range of materials. These include:
Porcelain (fused to metal) crowns are often chosen because the color can match the surrounding teeth. The metal lines under the porcelain may show through.
Materials such as gold, nickel, palladium, and chromium can be used for metal crowns. Metal crowns are extremely durable and will not crack like other materials, but their main disadvantage is that the color cannot be changed. They're often used on out-of-sight teeth, such as upper molars because their color cannot be changed to match the rest of your teeth.
Porcelain and ceramic crowns offer excellent color matching but are not as secure as porcelain fused to metal. They're often used on front teeth and can be used for people with metal allergies. All-ceramic crowns can chip, but small imperfections can usually be smoothed by your dentist.
One type of ceramic crown is called a zirconium crown, which is made of a very strong metal called zirconium oxide. A zirconia crown is stronger than a porcelain crown, but it can have the aesthetic and wear qualities of a porcelain crown.
Resin crowns are usually cheaper but may wear. While other crowns or solutions are being made, they can be used as less permanent crowns. For example, it can be used on children to keep the space between the teeth when it comes in.
Your dentist may recommend a particular type of material for specific reasons. For example, ceramic or porcelain crowns may be recommended if a patient is allergic to metal. Factors considered when choosing a material include cost, durability, aesthetics, and strength.
Creating and Applying Dental Crowns
Your dentist will take x-rays and assess the health of your mouth at your first appointment. Then, if there is significant tooth decay, he or she may need to use a filling material to build up the natural tooth. It may also be necessary to reshape the tooth so that a crown can be placed on top of it.
An impression of the tooth or teeth is taken and sent to the dental laboratory once these steps have been completed. If the crown is porcelain, then the tooth or teeth will have a porcelain crown. If the crown is going to be made of porcelain, a color will be chosen to match the color of your natural teeth.
To protect your teeth while the permanent crown is being made, you may be given a temporary crown (made of plastic). This process can take a few weeks.
You will return for a second appointment when the crown is ready. Before crowning, your dentist will desensitize the area with a local anesthetic. The tooth-shaped cap will be placed over the tooth to the gum line.
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Am I a candidate for crowns?
Many people are candidates for dental crowns. However, if you have gum disease or other oral health issues, you may not be a candidate until these issues are resolved. Your dentist must also determine that you have enough remaining tooth material for a crown to be successful (usually about one-third at a minimum).
You should also let your dentist know if you have medical conditions, including allergies (especially metal allergies).
How much do dental crowns cost?
The cost of this treatment depends on the type of crown chosen. Permanent crowns are more expensive than temporary crowns. The cost of permanent crowns ranges from several hundred to several thousand euros.
Other factors can also affect the cost, such as the amount of prep work a dentist must do before attaching the crown. The cost of crowns may or may not be covered by insurance. Do you speak
Be sure to contact your health insurance provider to find out more about your specific insurance options.
There may also be other options depending on your specific situation. Ask your dentist about alternative treatment options.
How do I care for temporary dental crowns?
A temporary crown is usually made of acrylic and is held in place with temporary dental cement. It is important not to apply too much positive or negative pressure to the temporary crown to prevent it from moving or slipping off the tooth. If you have a temporary crown, avoid sticky, chewy, or hard foods and pull the floss horizontally from between your teeth rather than lifting it up.
What is the difference between crowns and onlays?
Traditional crowns cover the entire tooth. Onlays and ¾ crowns, however, only partially cover the tooth. These are used when the tooth structure remains stable but is partially damaged or only requires partial coverage. There are many options for crowns and your dentist will discuss the ones that make the most sense for you.
