Dental crowns are a type of dental restoration that can preserve or restore the shape, size, and function of teeth. It is an artificial tooth covering that fits over the top of your natural tooth structure, providing it with added strength. Cosmetic dentists use them for many reasons, including repairing teeth after injury or infection, replacing missing teeth after an extractionprocedure, or simply restoring a broken tooth or after root canal therapy.
In this article, we’ll discuss the amazing benefits of having dental crown treatment and why they are so helpful in restoring your smile after an injury or other damage.
Different Types of Crowns
Dental crowns are available in 5 different types, so you should discuss what type would work best for your specific needs with your dentist.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns
The most frequently used restorative material for dental crowns and dental bridges is a combination of porcelain and metal. When porcelain is heated with metal, the chemical reaction creates a solid and lasting bond that can last for years if well taken care of.
Metal structures make porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns more durable in comparison to conventional porcelain. They also complement the form, appearance, and function of your natural teeth.
Metal & Gold Crowns
The strongest crowns for teeth are metal crowns. They are fracture-resistant, do not erode teeth, and provide a long-lasting bond. Gold, copper, and other metals are used in most crowns. Some non-noble alloys are pretty sturdy and corrosion-resistant, making them ideal for metal dental crowns.
A permanent tooth’s treatment involves its preparation for crowns, which consists of removing the enamel layers before they can be placed and secured using dental cement. A base-metal alloy crown only requires minimal enamel removal, making it a more conservative alternative.
Stainless Steel Crowns (SSCs)
A stainless steel crown is only used to restore the primary tooth. After pulpotomy treatment, SSCs are placed or when traditional cavity fillings, such as amalgam fillings, are anticipated to fail.
Ceramic Crowns
Porcelain is used to make ceramic crowns. Porcelain is used in cosmetic dentistry to produce tooth-coloured dental products, such as conventional crowns, that replicate the natural appearance of teeth, form, and function. With proper care and dental hygiene, a full-ceramic crown would last for a long time.
It is an advantage to use ceramic crowns to repair damaged front teeth since they blend in with your natural tooth colour. They’re sturdy, long-lasting, and resistant to chipping or breaking. Zirconia is a popular alternative to all-ceramic crowns.
All-Resin Dental Crowns
All-resin restorations are a great way to get your teeth restored without breaking the bank. They are a cheaper option to metal base, ceramic material, or gold crowns, but dentists usually do not recommend them because they crack and wear out more quickly than other materials.
In comparison to other materials for dental restorations, resin crowns are thinner and more delicate. They are typically used for baby tooth restorations but not for permanent tooth restorations.
Common Signs You Need To Get Dental Crowns
Chipped or cracked teeth
Teeth in good condition may sometimes fracture for various causes. The tooth is more likely to crack due to the continual strain it receives due to repeated fillings, trauma, nighttime grinding (bruxism), jaw clenching, or other harmful habits. Considering that constant biting pressure will be exerted on the dentition, this pressure will make the entire tooth structure more fragile.
In many cases, a crown is necessary based on the degree of the fracture. To reduce the risk of infection and prevent further damage to the tooth, a dental crown must be placed after it has been fractured. Furthermore, it is strongly advised that you use a mouthguard if you clench your jaw when you sleep, apart from treating your chipped or cracked teeth.
A tooth that has decayed
Tooth decay, or dental caries, is caused by a bacterial infection. Your dental enamel is destroyed by acid produced by bacteria such as Streptococcus Mutans that eats away at your teeth’s enamel and develops a cavity on the outer layer if left untreated. When a cavity is left untreated, it can weaken the tooth structure and cause more harm. A dental crown procedure may preserve the remaining healthy original tooth structure if caries is treated with a direct filling.
If your tooth is decaying to the point where it is causing damage to adjacent teeth, a dental cap may be a good choice for you. It will prevent bacteria from reaching other areas of your mouth.
A large filling
Teeth become more delicate as they age, and in certain circumstances, large traditional fillings are not stable. Australian dentists advise dental crowns as the best option for these sorts of dental concerns since they appear better and provide much-needed tooth strength.
Restoration failure
When the restoration compromises the tooth’s survival, an entire crown procedure is an effective solution. Teeth with significant restorations are prone to fractures. A crown is necessary to guarantee a tooth’s complete health and longevity. The restoration will not suffice in itself to keep the tooth in place. A tooth may be cracked or fractured when a high impact occurs or when there are constantly applied masticating forces.
Aesthetic appearance
Teeth are shaped and formed to look good, as well as be aesthetically pleasing. The shape, form, and colour of a person’s teeth are all related to their physical appearance. A person who is dissatisfied with the appearance of their front teeth may wish to consider cosmetic treatment. Cosmetic dentistry generally focuses on discolouration, misshapen teeth, and diastema. That is the situation that crowns or dental veneers are regarded as a dental treatment alternative for cosmetic purposes.
Replacing missing teeth
It is the most common option to improve one’s smile and appearance. By restoring it with dental crowns, it increases the self-esteem and confidence in patients. A dental crown can be utilised as a replacement tooth that may be placed on an implant. A dental implant is inserted into the jaw bone, after which the prosthetic tooth is attached on top. The most frequent replacements for teeth are crown, permanent bridge, and false tooth.
Root canal treatment
Patients who have had root canal dental procedures are more likely to suffer a fractured tooth than those who haven’t. Since most teeth have significant dental decay (caries), which causes substantial harm to the tooth structure that penetrates the pulp, they are treated with root canal therapy. This process removes the tooth’s blood supply, making it less robust under continuous chewing pressure. The goal is to get the tooth back in its ideal functioning condition. However, not all root canal-treated teeth are suitable for crowning.
Crowns are not as strongly advised for front teeth that have been treated by root canal therapy because they still have sufficient tooth structure and aren’t subjected to strong bite forces. In addition, the opposing denture’s root canal teeth may not be crowned since they receive less pressure than natural teeth.
The Benefits of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are beneficial because they can improve your oral health by covering a badly damaged tooth, preventing further decay of a weak tooth, and restoring its strength and function. They are also used to enhance the appearance of one’s smile by correcting cracked or chipped teeth, filling in gaps between teeth, replacing missing teeth, and stopping sensitive teeth from hurting. Additionally, it helps in improving oral hygiene practices and prevents teeth from fracturing or falling out.
Success Rate of Dental Crowns
Years of studies have shown that the success rate for the single crown on endodontically treated teeth is 92% and 79% for fixed dental prostheses.
Final Thoughts
Dental crowns are used to repair and protect teeth that have been damaged by extensive decay or injury. They cover up these imperfections and strengthen them, so they don’t get worse over time. In addition, they’re also a great way to improve the appearance of your smile and can be customized to match the colour of your natural teeth. With the right permanent crown, you can have a beautiful smile that is healthy and functional.
If you’ve been considering getting a dental crown or know someone who would benefit from one, get in touch with us today at 08 9532 0247 to schedule a dental visit. We offer quality dental care in Byford, so don’t hesitate to give us a call. Our team of experts at Byford Smiles will happily answer any questions you may have and guide you through all of our different services available.