Maintaining good dental hygiene goes beyond just brushing and flossing every day; it includes a variety of practices to keep your oral health in check. As we age, our teeth can become chipped and damaged, which might make us feel self-conscious about our appearance in public.
Luckily, there’s a solution available that can help restore your teeth – it’s called a dental crown. Dental crowns have become quite common in the field of dentistry, and they come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Before you go ahead and schedule your appointment for a dental crown, it’s important to understand certain aspects about them. So, in this article, let’s dive deeper into the world of dental crowns, learn about their different types, and weigh the pros and cons.
What are dental crowns?
A dental crown is like a cap placed over a damaged or broken tooth, designed to improve both the appearance and function of the tooth. These crowns are crafted from various materials, such as metal or porcelain, in order to resemble real teeth. Opting for a dental crown not only addresses tooth damage but also provides a natural and aesthetically pleasing look.
Types of dental crowns:
Ceramic crown- Ceramic dental crowns offer a natural appearance, closely resembling real teeth. They’re a great choice for individuals with metal allergies.
Pressed ceramic- These crowns are more durable than regular ceramic crowns due to their strong inner core. They’re covered with porcelain to maintain a natural look.
Metal- As the name suggests, metal crowns are made from materials like gold, chromium, nickel, silver, and palladium. They’re easy to fit and are quite resilient.
Resin- Resin crowns are affordable and suitable for those looking for a simple solution. However, they tend to degrade over a shorter period of me.
Who would benefit from dental crowns?
Deciding whether or not to get a dental crown can be a bit tricky. Consider a dental crown if:
- You have a significant cavity.
- Your teeth are worn down, cracked, or weakened.
- You have recently undergone a root canal procedure or are planning to do so.
Advantages of opting for dental crowns:
Here are some of the advantages of opting for dental crowns:
- Restoration of broken or damaged teeth
- Coverage for tooth with large filling
- Protection for teeth that can’t support traditional fillings.
- Availability of cost-effective crown options.
- Choice of materials to suit your preferences.
- Support for dental bridges.
- Concealment of discolorations, cracks, or breaks.
- Prevention of weak teeth from breaking.
- Enhancement of overall appearance and aesthetics.
The dental crown procedure:
The procedure for getting a dental crown can vary depending on the dentist, whether they choose a same-day approach or a multi-day process.
Same-day procedure:
In a same-day procedure, the den st will take images of your mouth and create the crown. Once the crown is ready, it will be fixed in place, which typically takes 2-4 hours.
Multi-day procedure:
For a multi-day procedure, the process involves several steps:
- The dentist will begin by conducting an initial examination and preparing the teeth for the dental crowns, which may include taking x-rays.
- The outer layer of the tooth will be carefully removed.
- An impression of the prepared tooth and its surrounding area will be created.
- A temporary crown will be placed over the tooth to provide protection.
- The impression will be sent to a lab where the final crown will be crafted. This step can
take several weeks. - During a subsequent visit, the permanent crown will be securely cemented onto the
tooth, completing the procedure.
Tips for taking care of dental crowns:
Proper care of dental crowns is essential to prolong their lifespan. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Brush your teeth twice a day, and choose toothpaste carefully, especially if your teeth are sensitive a er getting dental crowns.
- Avoid hard foods, as they can increase the risk of crown cracking.
- Consider using a night guard if you grind or clench your teeth during sleep.
- Remember to floss daily.
Book your dental crown appointment today!
Don’t let broken, chipped, or damaged teeth bring you down. Enhance your smile by scheduling
a dental crown assessment at Woodleigh Waters dental surgery in Berwick today.