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The Opportunity | About Us | FAQ | Services | Testimonials | Quote | Contact Us
Dental crowns cover over and encase the tooth on which they are cemented. Dentists use crowns when rebuilding broken or decayed teeth, as a way to strengthen teeth and and as method to improve the cosmetic appearance of a tooth.
Crowns are made in a dental laboratory by a dental technician who uses moulds of your teeth made by your dentist. The type of crown your dentist recommends will depend on the tooth involved and sometimes on your preference. Two types of porcelain crown types are in common use.
One is called 'porcelain fused to metal' and it is similar to a porcelain sink or bathtub, which has a core of metal to support porcelain, which is baked onto the metal. The other type is 'all ceramic' which can be thought of as being like a porcelain coffee cup with no metal. There is a tendency to prefer porcelain fused to metal in situations where maximum strength is required and all ceramic where optimal aesthetics is the goal.
Why would I need a Crown?
A Dental Crown is often the best solution to replace large, worn fillings, repair a tooth that has cracked, has a very large cavity or has undergone Root Canal treatment. The crown covers and provides increased protection for the natural tooth beneath it. Crowns are also used to improve the appearance of natural teeth that are malformed, malpositioned or discoloured.
How is the crown fitted?
A crown is fixed in place with special dental cement or adhesive. The cement forms a seal to hold the crown in place.
How long does the treatment take?
You will need to have at least two visits: the first for the preparation, impression, shade taking and fitting the temporary crown; and the second to fit the permanent crown. There will usually be about 1 to 2 weeks in between appointments.
How long will the Crown last?
A very long time but it will depend on how long your crown lasts depends on how well you look after it. The crown itself cannot decay, but decay can start where the edge of the crown joins the tooth. Therefore, it is important to keep this area just as clean as you would your natural teeth in order to prevent decay affecting the crown. You should avoid such habits as grinding or clenching your teeth, chewing ice, biting your fingernails and using your teeth to open packaging. Properly cared for crowns should last for many years.