Dental Crowns
A dental crown, also known as a cap, is the ideal solution if one of your teeth has broken or become significantly weakened due to an excess of decay or an especially large filling. As opposed to removing the damaged tooth, this type of dental restoration is used to strengthen the existing tooth and to preserve its usefulness. Your tooth may require a crown if the damage to it is so great that the remaining tooth is too weak to support a filling. Similarly crowns can be used to strengthen teeth after certain dental treatments like root canals, or are used in place of composite bonding to build up the strength of a fractured or cracked tooth. Crowns can be made from a variety of materials and even a combination of different materials. However some materials are more aesthetically pleasing than others.
Crowns made from a combination of metal and porcelain may create highly visible dark gum lines over time. If you are going for a natural look then it is usually recommended that you opt for a ceramic or porcelain crown. The life of a crown can depend on your oral hygiene and just like natural teeth, your dental crowns need looking after. If you maintain a good level of oral hygiene, then a crown made from a quality material can last many years.
Crowns made from a combination of metal and porcelain may create highly visible dark gum lines over time. If you are going for a natural look then it is usually recommended that you opt for a ceramic or porcelain crown. The life of a crown can depend on your oral hygiene and just like natural teeth, your dental crowns need looking after. If you maintain a good level of oral hygiene, then a crown made from a quality material can last many years.
Ceramic Crowns
By far the most aesthetically discreet option; ceramic crowns are one of the most popular types of crown. There are several advantages to not using any metal. Firstly ceramic crowns allow light to be transmitted, which creates a more “real tooth” look for your crown. Similarly as there’s no metal, the crown can be used to treat areas with a small amount of space available. With new innovations in the durability and strength of ceramic crowns, it can also be used in areas of the mouth that undergo heavy usage.
Gold Crowns
Although not as aesthetically discreet, gold crowns are still the best option for many patients. If you grind or clench your teeth then the strength and durability of a gold crown is right for you.
Porcelain Fused to Metal
Porcelain and metal combinations provide both an aesthetically discreet and highly durable option for crowns. It is important to note that the appearance of the crown relies heavily on the skill of the laboratory that creates your crown. Also this type of crown has a tendency to show underlying metal at the gum line over time. Some patients who have this type of crown opt to have the crown replaced with a more discreet crown later on in life. Fortunately, due to rapid innovations in dental technology, there are many types of metal crowns that can be used to avoid this happening.
By far the most aesthetically discreet option; ceramic crowns are one of the most popular types of crown. There are several advantages to not using any metal. Firstly ceramic crowns allow light to be transmitted, which creates a more “real tooth” look for your crown. Similarly as there’s no metal, the crown can be used to treat areas with a small amount of space available. With new innovations in the durability and strength of ceramic crowns, it can also be used in areas of the mouth that undergo heavy usage.
Gold Crowns
Although not as aesthetically discreet, gold crowns are still the best option for many patients. If you grind or clench your teeth then the strength and durability of a gold crown is right for you.
Porcelain Fused to Metal
Porcelain and metal combinations provide both an aesthetically discreet and highly durable option for crowns. It is important to note that the appearance of the crown relies heavily on the skill of the laboratory that creates your crown. Also this type of crown has a tendency to show underlying metal at the gum line over time. Some patients who have this type of crown opt to have the crown replaced with a more discreet crown later on in life. Fortunately, due to rapid innovations in dental technology, there are many types of metal crowns that can be used to avoid this happening.
Need to Know
Appointments
Two appointments.
Preparing the tooth for the crown will be done as well as impressions will be taken and a temporary crown made. Two weeks after the permanent crown is placed.
Duration
The first appointment for 75 minutes.
Second appointment for 30 minutes.
Recovery Time
24 hours.
Benefits
Support and strengthen a tooth that has been damaged by decay, that has had root canal treatment and a cracked or broken tooth. Protect a tooth that has worn away from being damaged further and improve the appearance of a tooth by changing its shape or colour.
Symptoms/Conditions
Heavily compromised teeth, aesthetics.
After Appointment
- While temporary crown is on avoid chewing sticky or hard foods.
Related Doctors
Fees
- Starting from $1,500 to $1,700
Frequently Asked Questions
While the crown does not require special care, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene practice to protect the underlying tooth.
Patients will only need a local anaesthetic to remain comfortable during the crown preparation procedure. Any sensitivity that may occur between your appointments can be dealt with painkiller but in case of severe or prolonged pain please contact us.
The tooth coloured crowns can be shade matched to your existing teeth for best aesthetic result.
Since dental crowns aren’t the natural teeth, they will not last forever. However, they can last a long time if good care is given. Research shows that more than 90% of crowns will be intact for more than five years before any other major treatment is done to them. However, 50 to 80% of crowns will last between 15 and 20 years.
Patients should understand that just like the normal tooth, crowns will last as long as good care is adhered to. A dentist will tell you more about the dental hygiene practices to care for your dental crowns and your entire mouth in general.
While you have the temporary crown, avoid chewy and hard food that can dislodged or break the crown. It is also advised to avoid flossing until permanent crown has been cemented.
