A dental crown might be the solution you need for a damaged or weakened tooth, but how does it work, and what does the process involve? In this article, we’ll unravel the details behind dental crowns—why they’re used, how they’re made, and what you can expect during treatment. Ready to discover how this common dental procedure can restore your smile? Let’s dive in!
TL;DR:
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap used to restore and protect damaged, decayed, or weakened teeth, while also improving appearance. Crowns are needed for severe decay, cracked teeth, after root canals, with implants, or for cosmetic reasons. Types include porcelain, metal, zirconia, PFM, and resin—each suited to different needs like aesthetics, durability, budget, or allergies. The procedure typically involves two visits: one for preparation and impressions, and another to fit the permanent crown, unless a same-day crown is made with CEREC. With proper care, crowns can last 15–30 years.
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What Should You Know About Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a versatile solution in modern dentistry, designed to restore the function, shape, and appearance of a damaged or weakened tooth. This tooth-shaped cap not only strengthens compromised teeth but also enhances their aesthetic appeal, making it a valuable option for various dental issues.
When Are Dental Crowns Needed?
- Severe Tooth Decay: Crowns are ideal when a filling alone cannot adequately restore the tooth’s structure.
- Cracked or Broken Teeth: They provide protection and hold together a damaged tooth, preventing further breakage.
- Root Canal Treatment: After a root canal, crowns reinforce the tooth, ensuring its durability and functionality.
- Dental Implants: Crowns complete the implant process by covering and mimicking the appearance of a natural tooth.
- Cosmetic Enhancements: Crowns improve the appearance of discolored or misshapen teeth, offering a long-lasting solution.
Types of Dental Crowns and Which One Is Right for You
Dental crowns are an essential solution for restoring damaged or weakened teeth, offering durability, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. Choosing the right crown depends on factors like the tooth’s location, your budget, desired durability, and aesthetic preferences.
Main Types of Crowns:
- Porcelain Crowns
- Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns
- Metal Crowns
- Zirconia Crowns
- Resin Crowns
Which Crown is Right for You?
- For Aesthetic Purposes: Choose porcelain or zirconia crowns for a natural look.
- For Durability: Metal or zirconia crowns are ideal for withstanding heavy chewing forces.
- For Budget: Resin crowns offer affordability but may need replacement sooner.
- For Allergies: Opt for non-metal options like porcelain or zirconia if you have metal sensitivities.
The Dental Crown Procedure: What to Expect
Getting a dental crown typically involves one or two visits to your dentist or prosthodontist, depending on whether the crown is made on-site or in a laboratory.
First Visit: Tooth Preparation and Temporary Crown
- Tooth Preparation:
Your dentist will numb the area with a local anesthetic to ensure you don’t feel any pain. They will then remove a thin layer of the tooth’s outer surface and shape it to accommodate the crown. - Taking Impressions:
After shaping the tooth, your dentist will take an impression of it. This can be done either by pressing a mold onto the tooth or using a digital scanner for a precise 3D image. - Temporary Crown:
If your crown is being made in a laboratory, a temporary crown will be placed to protect your tooth until the permanent crown is ready. This process usually takes about 2 to 3 weeks. - Matching the Crown:
The impression or digital scan is sent to a lab where a technician crafts the crown. They also match the crown’s color to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
Same-Day Crown Option
If your dentist has access to a CEREC machine, the crown can be designed, created, and fitted in a single visit. This eliminates the need for a temporary crown and a second appointment.
Second Visit: Fitting the Permanent Crown
If your crown is lab-made, you’ll return for a second visit once it’s ready. During this appointment:
- The temporary crown is removed.
- Your permanent crown is checked for fit, shape, and color.
- The crown is securely cemented in place using dental cement or adhesive.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
Dental crowns are designed to be a durable solution for restoring or protecting teeth, but they are not expected to last a lifetime. With proper care, crowns can typically last between 15 to 30 years, depending on the material and individual dental care habits.
Contact us today for a personalized consultation
At Madison Dental Art, we specialize in providing high-quality dental crowns to restore the function and aesthetics of your smile. Our experienced team utilizes advanced materials and techniques to ensure durable and natural-looking results.
Contact us today to schedule a personalized consultation and discover how our dental crown solutions can benefit you. You can reach us at (718) 268-8228 or visit our office at 112-03 Queens Boulevard, Suite 211, Forest Hills, NY 11375. We look forward to helping you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.
Sources.
De Jager, N., de Kler, M., & van der Zel, J. M. (2006). The influence of different core material on the FEA-determined stress distribution in dental crowns. Dental Materials, 22(3), 234-242.
Collares, K., Correa, M. B., Bronkhorst, E. M., Laske, M., Huysmans, M. C. D., & Opdam, N. J. (2018). A practice based longevity study on single-unit crowns. Journal of Dentistry, 74, 43-48.
Key Takeaways:
Definition and Purpose
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap used to restore the function, shape, and appearance of a damaged or weakened tooth.
When Dental Crowns Are Needed
- Severe Tooth Decay: When a filling isn’t enough to restore structure.
- Cracked or Broken Teeth: Crowns protect and stabilize the tooth.
- After Root Canal: Reinforces and protects the treated tooth.
- Dental Implants: Crowns complete the implant as a natural-looking replacement.
- Cosmetic Reasons: Improve the look of discolored or misshapen teeth.
Types of Dental Crowns
- Porcelain: Best for aesthetics.
- Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM): Combines strength with aesthetics.
- Metal: Highly durable, good for molars.
- Zirconia: Strong and aesthetic, suitable for many cases.
- Resin: Budget-friendly, but less durable.
Choosing the Right Crown
- Aesthetics: Porcelain or zirconia.
- Durability: Metal or zirconia.
- Budget: Resin.
- Allergies: Non-metal options like porcelain or zirconia.
Dental Crown Procedure
- First Visit: Tooth is prepared, impressions are taken, and a temporary crown is placed.
- Lab-Made Crowns: Created using molds or digital scans and color-matched to your teeth.
- Same-Day Crowns: Created and placed using CEREC technology in one appointment.
- Second Visit (if needed): Temporary crown removed and permanent one fitted and cemented.
Longevity of Dental Crowns
With proper care, dental crowns can last 15–30 years, depending on material choice and oral hygiene habits.
Consultation and Care
Madison Dental Art offers expert consultation and high-quality crowns using advanced techniques for functional and aesthetic restoration.