Dental Crowns
When a tooth loses its natural shape or size as a result of many factors such as decay or fracture, dental crowns are the perfect cosmetic and therapeutic solution to cover these deformities and preserve the basic structure of the tooth.
In this article by Opal Dental Clinics, we will discuss everything related to dental crowns… types, benefits, disadvantages, installation procedures, and ways to take care of them.
What are dental crowns?
A dental crown is a composite cover made of several different materials, including metal and porcelain, which the doctor installs over the visible part of the damaged tooth to restore its shape, size and strength.
Advantages of dental crowns
- Restore cracked, broken or worn out teeth to their shape and function.
- The teeth that replaced a large part of them are covered with fillings.
- Protect weak teeth from fracture, decay or infection.
- Preserves the natural tooth structure.
- Protects teeth after root canal treatment.
- Covers abutment dental implants.
- A way to install a dental bridge.
Disadvantages of dental crowns
- Sensitivity to heat and cold if the tooth still has nerves.
- Sometimes cracks occur in porcelain crowns.
- When the crown becomes loose, bacteria seep into the root of the tooth and cause tooth decay.
- The fall of the crown as a result of incorrect installation on the tooth or lack of cement.
- Allergic reactions to porcelain or alloy crowns.
- The appearance of a dark line next to the gums on crowned teeth, especially in crowns made of porcelain fused to metal.
- Erosion or damage to the corresponding teeth over time.
Types of dental crowns
There are many options for dental crowns according to the type of metal they are made of, as follows:
First – Metal crowns
Metal crowns are an ideal choice for molars that do not appear when smiling due to their metallic color. It is made of gold, chrome, nickel, or palladium.
Second – Metal porcelain crowns
Crowns made of porcelain fused to metal, Where the latter is under the porcelain cover of the crown, allowing the crown to match the color of the adjacent teeth.
Third – Resin crowns
Crowns made of “resin” material, and they are less expensive, in addition to being less durable than other types of crowns, and therefore more prone to breakage.
Fourth – Porcelain crowns
Fixtures made of porcelain only, which closely match the color of the tooth compared to other dental fixtures, in addition to being ideal for those who suffer from sensitivity to metal.
Fifth – Compressed porcelain crowns
This type of dental crown contains a solid inner core, while the outer crown cover is made of porcelain that closely matches the natural tooth color.
Sixth – Zirconium crowns
There are two types of zirconium crowns. The first is porcelain combined with zirconia, the second is made of zirconia only, and the last is one of the most used types in dental clinics during the recent period.
Seventh – Temporary crowns
Fixtures made of acrylic or stainless steel, with which the tooth is temporarily covered until a permanent dental crown is completed in the laboratory.
Dental crown installation procedures
First – Examination and preparation of teeth
- The doctor examines the tooth that needs a crown, taking x-rays to determine if any other tooth needs a crown, then makes sure that the shade of the crown matches the surrounding teeth.
- The doctor performs a tooth filing, while preserving as much enamel as possible, then takes a dental mold to send it to the laboratory to make the crown.
- While waiting for the permanent crown to be prepared, the doctor covers the tooth with a temporary crown, until the “permanent” is prepared and installed.
Second – The installation of the permanent crown
In the next session, the doctor replaces the temporary crown with the new permanent one, which is subject to some minor modifications. In order for the cement fixation process to be completed perfectly, and thus the crown will remain on the tooth for a period ranging from 5 to 15 years.
After the permanent dental crown is installed, the doctor examines your teeth to ensure that the upper jaw fits snugly against the lower jaw.
Dental crown care methods
- Daily care of the teeth, while not pressing them hard when brushing or flossing.
- Avoid hard foods such as nuts or popcorn.
- Less use of the side that has dental crown when chewing food.
- Visit the dental clinic every 6 months to check and clean your teeth.
In nutshell, covering the teeth with crowns comes as a kind of restoration for the damaged tooth to protect it and restore its original shape, and you can choose the type of crown suitable for your teeth after discussing with your doctor the available options, which helps determine the type that meets your needs.
If you would like to know which types of dental crowns suit you, contact us today at Opal Dental Clinics, and book an appointment with the most qualified doctors specializing in dental crowns in Istanbul, to determine the appropriate type.
Edited by: Opal Dental Clinics©
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