One of the most common dental restoration procedures is crowns. People use them to restore the functionality of their teeth, as well as their physical appearance.
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What are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are artificial caps made of porcelain or full gold and placed above the teeth. Primarily, they are used to restore teeth damaged by decay, especially when the damage is so extensive that the tooth has to be removed. Crowns are also useful in attaching bridges, covering implants, and preventing the worsening of cracked teeth. Additionally, crowns serve an aesthetic purpose in people with stained or discoloured teeth.
What Makes Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are made using several materials, including:
- All-porcelain: these have a colour that closely matches the appearance of natural teeth. They are ideal for replacing front teeth and for people who are allergic to metal.
- Pressed ceramic: these are the longer-lasting alternatives to all-porcelain crowns. They have a more rigid inner core and maintain the natural colour of porcelain.
- Metallic: some of the metals used for making crowns are gold, chromium, nickel, and They are long-lasting and only require partial removal of the affected tooth. On the downside, they have an unwelcoming colour.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal: these are ideal if you want a crown that matches the rest of your teeth.
- All-resin: despite being cheaper than other types of crowns, all-resin models wear out faster and are more likely to crack and get chipped.
How Dental Crowns Work
Crowns fit onto a tooth and protect whatever is below it. Once installed, they function similarly to a natural tooth while holding it and preventing it from breaking.
Most dental crowns are made of tough material to withstand the force exerted by chewing, like other natural teeth. Simply put, dental crowns work like the enamel (your teeth’s visible part).
Installation of Dental Crowns
The first step involves the application of a numbing agent to the affected area. After this, they will use an abrasive bur to scale the teeth and create space for the dental crown.
If the affected teeth cannot support the crown, the dentist will add fillings to create a solid foundation. This is usually followed by creating the teeth’ impression, which is later used to make the crowns.
Once the dentist sends the impression, it takes two to three weeks to make the dental crown. Over this period, you get a temporary crown to help you deal with your situation.
Importance of Dental Crowns
The most significant benefit of installing dental crowns is that they improve the functionality of damaged teeth. Once you install a crown, you can chew without risking any damage to your enamel. Crowns protect your teeth’s most sensitive parts by holding them together and shielding them from damage.
Moreover, crowns maintain and restore your mouth’s structural integrity. If you lose a tooth, the resulting gap can lead to further complications such as biting problems. By filling such gaps, crowns restore proper mouth structure. Because their appearance resembles natural teeth, dental crowns can also improve the quality of your smile.
Taking Care of Dental Crowns
The best way of taking care of your dental crowns is by observing proper dental hygiene. Ensure that your brush twice and floss at least once daily. More importantly, use products that are approved by local dental associations.
Next, avoid chewing hard and sticky foods, as they can weaken your dental crowns. Lastly, visit your dentist at least twice yearly.
Conclusion
While dental crowns are not the ultimate solution to every dental problem, they can help solve several issues. Ensure that you consult your dentist before getting a crown.