Everyone wants to have beautiful, healthy teeth. However, sugar consumption has been on the rise. It is affecting oral health. One of the procedures that help you achieve a gorgeous smile is dental crowns.
There are many people that wear crowns and find them to be the perfect option. Understanding more about dental crowns will make you understand just how important they are. This in depth guide aims to provide you with all the information that you need.
What Are Dental Crowns?
In the simplest of words, dental crowns are caps for damaged teeth. When your teeth get damaged due to an accident, constant grinding, or any other reason, dental crowns offer much-needed relief and help restore your look. The crowns can be made from a wide range of materials.
They are customized to perfectly cover the teeth. Patients undergo the procedure in order to restore the shape and size of their teeth. It also helps enhance teeth performance and strengths them. Thus, it offers full protection.
Possible Uses of Dental Crowns
My Dentist San Francisco, lists the following as some of the situations dental crowns may be necessary.
- Missing teeth wherein a bridge is required.
- Large cavities cannot be filled.
- To provide coverage for dental implants.
- Restoration after root canal.
- Weak, worn down, or cracked teeth.
- Cosmetic reasons such as badly shaped or discoloured teeth.
Different Types of Crowns
When it comes to dental crowns, they come in two types. There are temporary crowns and permanent crowns. Before permanent crowns are installed by the dentist, the dentist would prep the teeth by shaving them so that the crowns can fit perfectly onto the teeth.
After the teeth have been shaved down, there would be a need to create temporary crowns from a mould of natural teeth. The temporary crowns protect the shaved down teeth. Thus, the patient would be able to use their teeth normally until the permanent crowns are made.
The temporary crowns are made using less expensive materials like acrylic as they only need to be worn for a few weeks. As for permanent dental crowns, they are made to last a lifetime. They are commonly crafted using porcelain, resin, ceramic, or a fusion of the materials with metal for offering additional support.
Only when the permanent crowns have been created would the patient need to return to the dentist and get the temporary crowns removed before the permanent crowns can be installed.
The dentist would thoroughly clean the teeth and gums of the teeth. Then, the permanent crowns would be installed with the help of strong dental adhesive. The different types of dental crowns are mentioned below.
Temporary
The temporary crowns are made by the dentist during the initial visit. Unlike permanent crowns that are made off-site at a dental laboratory, the dentist will make the temporary crowns at their office using stainless steel or acrylic-based material.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel crowns provide a temporary solution. They are used for protecting fillings and teeth while the permanent crowns are made. Children normally have stainless steel crowns for protecting the primary teeth from further decay. The best thing about the material is that it ensures that crowns come out naturally.
All-Resin
Although most dental crowns made using resin might not be as expensive, they tend to wear down over time. Therefore, all-resin crowns are not always the best option.
Metals
In addition to the above, there are also metal crowns which have an alloy made of platinum or gold. The alloy can easily endure wear and tear despite constant chewing and biting. Metal crowns rarely break or chip. However, their colour might not be what you are looking for.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal
If you are on the lookout for an option for front or back teeth, porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are just what you need. They are also perfect when a bridge requires greater strength. Porcelain offers a great appearance. In fact, it matches the colour of neighbouring teeth.
Zirconia
Zirconia is a rather new type of crown. It has only become popular in recent times as it offers longevity and great aesthetics. The durability and strength means that the crowns would be less likely to chip or crack in comparison to porcelain or ceramic crowns.
Conclusion
Once you have over this guide, you will know the basics of dental crowns and the different types of options available. Whether you require a dental crown after a root canal or for cosmetic reasons, it is important that you choose the right type of dental crown.
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