Crowns
A crown or cap is one of the best ways to rebuild teeth which have broken, or have been weakened by decay or a large filling. The crown fits over the remaining portion of the tooth, making it strong and giving it the shape and contour of a natural tooth.
There are various circumstances in which you might require a crown:
- The tooth could be weakened due to an extensive filling.
- You might desire to enhance the aesthetic of the tooth by replacing discoloured fillings.
- If you have undergone a root filling, it will necessitate a crown for protection.
- In case of accidental damage to the tooth.
- A crown can provide stability for bridges or dentures.
Crowns are made of a variety of materials and new materials are being introduced all the time
Porcelain Bonded To Precious
Most crowns are made from a combination of porcelain and precious metal. The process involves creating a base with precious metal and subsequently applying layers of porcelain onto it.
Porcelain
While not as durable as bonded crowns, these crowns possess a remarkably natural appearance and are commonly utilized for the front teeth.
Porcelain and Composite
In terms of aesthetics, porcelain and composite resin crowns often offer the most realistic appearance.
Glass
Glass crowns have an incredibly authentic appearance and can be applied to both front and back teeth.
Precious Metal
Gold and palladium crowns possess exceptional strength and durability, making them ideal for placement towards the rear of the mouth where their visibility is minimal.
The lifespan of a crown relies on the level of care it receives. While decay does not affect the crown itself, it can initiate at the point where the crown meets the tooth. It is crucial to maintain cleanliness in this area, just like you would for your other teeth, as neglect could put the integrity of the crown at risk. Crowns that receive adequate attention will endure for numerous years.
Restorative Dentistry
To complete the crown procedure, two separate appointments are required. During the first visit, tasks such as preparing, taking impressions and shade matching will be performed along with fitting a temporary crown. In the second appointment, the permanent crown will be fitted. A local anaesthetic is administered to ensure that the preparation process feels similar to receiving a filling.