If your tooth is badly broken or very worn down, teeth crowns may be just what you need. It works by completely covering the affected tooth – hence protecting the deep layers of the tooth structure.
Teeth Crowns are made of Porcelain, gold or a combination of both and are a way of aesthetically strengthening teeth which have been weakened or discoloured through the passage of time or earlier restorative procedures. This is a two stage process, whereby at the first appointment the tooth is prepared, an impression taken and then sent to a ceramist who will handcraft the crown, (usually within 2 -3 weeks). In the meantime an acrylic temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth. Once the permanent crown is returned, we check it for a close fit, you check it for looks and when both parties are happy, we cement it permanently. Text books will quote a 15 year life span.
The reasons we may require crowns is because as we age, many of us find ourselves with teeth that are no longer structurally sound. Root canals, lost fillings, decay, chipping and cracking of the enamel are all things that can lead to large-scale problems in a tooth’s surface. When the entire surface of the tooth is a problem, but the root system is intact, a crown might be the ideal solution for you.
A crown is used in both restorative and cosmetic dental procedures. It is normally used to restore teeth that have been damaged, decayed or fractured, along with assisting in bringing back your beautiful smile..
A crown can be made from a few different materials, full porcelain crown, the bonded porcelain fused-to-metal crown and the all-metal crown, the most common being porcelain due to its function and ability to act as your natural teeth do. When an individual treatment plan is designed for you and if crowns are part of that, your dentist will decide the best material to use for your circumstances.
Often referred to as ‘caps’, crowns are coverings for the entire visible part of the tooth. They become necessary when teeth are broken, old and large fillings are lost, teeth have fractured, chipped or are sensitive. Crowns improve the appearance of your natural teeth and can brighten your smile if you teeth are dull or discoloured. They can also be used to strengthen a root treated tooth.
Grinding your teeth, an improper bite, age and tooth decay can all be contributing factors in the wearing down, cracking or breakage of your teeth. Dental crowns provide strength, durability and tooth stability.
In other instances, crowns are used to replace a missing tooth. These crowns are anchored to the teeth on either side of the space, with a bridge section connecting the two crowns.
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantage: Porcelain is considered the most aesthetically pleasing option, as it is so easily matched in colour to your surrounding teeth.
Disadvantage: The thickness of the porcelain required for pleasing aesthetics also requires that more tooth structure needs to be removed. It is more difficult for us to get an ideal fit where your gum meets the crown. If it does not work for your particular dental health, you may consider veneers as a solution.
You may find that if you are suffering from one of the following conditions, a crown could be a suitable solution for you.
- A previously filled tooth where there now exists more filling than tooth. This will cause the existing tooth structure to become weaker and no longer support the remaining filling.
- Extensive damage by decay.
- Discolorations and an aesthetic appearance you are unhappy with.
- Fractures in your teeth.
- Bridges – When missing teeth are replaced with a bridge, usually the adjacent teeth require crowns in order to support the replacement teeth.
Constructing a crown requires two appointments. During your first visit, the tooth is prepared for the crown, an impression mould is made and a temporary crown is placed over the prepared tooth. At your subsequent visit, the temporary crown is removed and the final crown is fitted, adjusted and secured into place – simple!
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