Enduring Restorations: Crowns(Caps) Can Restore Your Perfect Smile
As one of the most effective methods of restoring the aesthetic and structural qualities of your teeth crowns are a protective covering that covers the entire surface of the tooth. Multiple types of crowns exist, including porcelain crowns which combine the most resilient materials with a nearly natural aesthetic beauty. All styles are incredibly durable and can last for many years, but in time will need to be replaced.
Why Would I Need To Get A Crown?
Crowns are used to repair damage to the teeth, with porcelain crowns being the most well-loved of the dental restorations. The conditions that are commonly treated with crowns are:
- Teeth that are chipped, cracked, or fractured teeth
- Correction of cosmetic imperfections
- Teeth suffering from advanced decay
- Fillings that have become loose or fractured, or otherwise defective.
- Teeth that have been the subject of root canal treatments.
What Is Involved In Receiving A Crown?
The first steps to getting a crown involve preparing the tooth to receive a crown. In the event of a root canal, this can involve the removal of the decayed nerve tissue and filling of the tooth, in other cases, it’s merely the preparation of the surface of the tooth to receive a crown. In the past, it’s been necessary to place a temporary crown on the now prepared
Recent innovations in dental procedures have resulted in the creation of CEREC®, Chairside Economical Restorations of Esthetic Ceramic. Previous creation of crowns and other restorations required an external dental laboratory to create, and thus a waiting period between preparation for the restoration and its application. CEREC® has made it possible to have this done in mere minutes in the dental office, so in many instances, crowns can be put in place in just one visit.
How Long Will My Crown Last?
Properly cared for your crowns will last for many years, with research indicating that crowns will last at least 10 years with normal care, and have been shown to continue to be in good repair at 25 years. Taking care of your crown requires the same amount of attention as taking care of your whole, natural teeth. Regular brushing and flossing, combined with mouthwash, will help maintain your crowns for years to come.
What Kind Of Materials Are Used To Make Crowns?
Throughout the years there have been a number of materials that have been used to create crowns. From a simple ceramic material to the iconic gold replacement tooth, there’s been no end to the innovation. The most common materials these days are:
- Solid Metal Such As Gold
- Zirconia
- Porcelain Crowns Fused To Metal (PFM)
- Porcelain Crowns Fused to Zirconia
- Solid Ceramic Crowns
If you think that you have a condition that might be treatable with dental crowns, contact your dentist for a consultation today. Your time with the dentist will include an examination, including possible imaging processes to determine the nature of your concern and what the proper steps will be to address your dental issues.
