Tooth-shaped caps, more commonly known as “crowns” have been a solution for damaged teeth for a while now. They can both repair teeth that are damaged and give you more confidence when flashing your smile. If your dentist tells you that you need a crown, you probably want to know more information about what it all entails. Perhaps the main two are, what is the best crown for me and how much is this going to cost? We aim to give you the lowdown on different crowns and how they work for different purposes.
Reasons for getting a crown
A crown isn’t the final option though, depending on the circumstances you might just need an inlay, an onlay, or perhaps even a filling.
The only person who can tell you for sure what you need is your dentist after a thorough examination. The most common reasons for getting a dental crown rather than another form of treatment are as follows.
- Severe decay or a cavity has caused a weakened tooth.
- Covering for an implant.
- A tooth that has had a root canal.
- In order to replace a big filling.
- For a natural tooth that has become cracked.
- In order to align your bite.
- For aesthetic purposes, in other words, to make your teeth look brighter, and straighter, or to level the sizing of teeth.
What does the process involve?
A custom-made crown is the best option because it is specially made for your tooth. Usually, from beginning to end, it takes two visits.
Please keep in mind that the process might vary slightly depending on what type of crown you get but in most cases, it will go as follows.
- Your dentist will prepare your tooth for the crown. This might include removing the decay, giving you a root canal or something along those lines.
- A mold will then be taken of your tooth so that the crown can be made to fit perfectly.
- A restoration will then be put in place, otherwise known as a temporary cap. This will take care of your tooth and keep it in the same condition until the permanent crown can be fitted. You need to be careful during this time, avoiding hard foods or anything that might crack the cap.
- Around 2 weeks later, your crown should be ready to cement permanently..
What are the different types of dental crowns?
There are several different types of crowns made out of different materials, and with that in mind, they also vary in price. Let’s take a look at the different crowns that are available.
Gold crowns
These crowns are made out of gold and other metals, which are usually chromium or nickel. Gold crowns are probably the most strong and most durable, although these are not usually the go-to choice nowadays because of their fake appearance.
The pros
- They are strong and super resistant.
- They last a really long time, providing that they are properly cared for of course.
- Just like normal enamel, they wear down slowly.
- They can be a preferred choice for the restoration of back teeth and second molars.
- There is not much of your regular tooth that has to be removed.
The cons
- They can have some unwanted side effects for some people including allergic reactions.
- The aesthetics are the biggest drawback to gold crowns, in that they do not look natural.
All-porcelain crowns
These types of crowns are made entirely of porcelain and are the most popular type of crown nowadays.
The pros
- They provide the most natural-looking end result. They are specially made to look and feel like your real teeth, they will also match your other teeth in size, shape, and colour.
- These are the best option for front teeth restorations and your dentist will recommend porcelain crowns if your front teeth get damaged in some way.
- No metal is used, making them entirely toxin-free.
The cons
- They can last a long time if they are taken care of properly, but they are not as strong as metal crowns.
- They are one of the more expensive types of crowns.
PFM crowns (porcelain fused to metal)
These types of crowns were widely used and used to be an ideal choice for a number of different purposes.
Pros
- They are durable AND look good.
- They are cheaper than the previous all-porcelain crowns.
- They have been tried and tested over the years and it’s known that they work really well.
Cons
- A grey line at the gum line can sometimes occur with this type of crown, which means that they do not look as good as all-porcelain.
- These crowns wear down more easily, particularly with people who clench/grind their teeth.
- The porcelain sometimes fractures away from the underlying metal
Zirconia crowns
These crowns have grown in popularity as of late and they basically combine the strength of metal crown with the appealing aesthetics of porcelain crowns.
Pros
- They are strong and durable with a low chance of chipping or breaking.
- They look good.
- They are biocompatible which means that they will not cause allergic reactions.
Cons
- The teeth that they bite against are likely to wear down more easily because of the strength of these crowns.
- Zirconia can be hard to adjust.
E-MAX Lithium Disilicate crowns
This is the newest type of crown available and it is known as E-Max. It is all ceramic and is made out of lithium disilicate.
Pros
- They look great and realistic in your mouth.
- They are very strong and durable.
- A popular choice for both front and back teeth.
Cons
- They are a little more expensive than other types of crowns.
Your dentist may recommend a crown for any of the reasons, among many others. Crowns play an important role in dental health, and if you are in need of one, please contact our office today.