Dental Crowns

There are various types exist, each with its own set of benefits and considerations. The most popular types are:

Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns,  are made of metal and coated in tooth-colored porcelain. PFM crowns are durable and have a natural appearance. However, with time, the metal edge at the gum line may become apparent, resulting in a black line.

All-ceramic or all-porcelain crowns are built entirely of ceramic or porcelain, resulting in great aesthetics and biocompatibility. They are an excellent solution for those who are allergic to metals or want a repair that looks natural. All-ceramic crowns are appropriate for both the front and back teeth.

Metal crowns, which are often constructed of gold or other base metal alloys, are extremely durable and need less tooth structure removal than other forms of crowns. However, their metallic appearance makes them unsuitable for visible regions of the mouth.

Zirconia crowns are comprised of a solid, tooth-colored substance called zirconia oxide. They provide outstanding durability and aesthetics, making them appropriate for both front and back teeth. Zirconia crowns are renowned for their durability and resistance to chipping and cracking.

Resin crowns are formed of composite resin and are often used as temporary crowns while permanent crowns are being created in the dental laboratory. They are not as durable as other types of crowns and are not recommended for long-term use.

The e.max crowns are comprised of lithium disilicate ceramic material. It's a popular material because of its exceptional aesthetics and robustness. The translucent qualities of lithium disilicate ceramic closely resemble the appearance of natural tooth enamel, resulting in a restoration that blends in with the patient's existing teeth.

The process of getting dental crowns normally consists of multiple steps and can take several visits over the course of a few weeks.

Initial Consultation, at your first appointment, you will meet with your dentist to discuss your dental issues and treatment alternatives. If they are considered appropriate, your dentist will examine your teeth and explain the procedure to you.

Tooth Preparation, during the second session, your dentist will prepare the tooth or teeth to receive the crowns. This includes removing a piece of the tooth's outer surface to make way for the crown. After the tooth is prepped, impressions of it and the adjacent teeth are obtained.

Temporary Crown Placement (Optional), in some situations, a temporary crown can be placed over the prepared tooth while the permanent crown is being made in a dental laboratory. This temporary crown protects the tooth and maintains aesthetics while the permanent crown is being created.

Permanent Crown Fabrication, the impressions acquired during the tooth preparation consultation are submitted to a dental laboratory to be custom-made. The fabrication procedure usually takes 1-2 weeks, however this can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the workload of the dental lab.

Permanent Crown Placement, once the permanent crown is completed, you will return to the dentist for your last appointment. During this visit, the temporary crown (if any) is removed, and the permanent crown is evaluated for fit, color and aesthetics. If everything appears good, the permanent crown is firmly glued or bonded to the prepared tooth.

There are various alternatives depending on the individual tooth issue at hand. Some frequent options are,

Dental fillings may be a better option than crowns for minor cavities or tooth damage. Fillings, which are constructed of materials like composite resin, amalgam or glass ionomer cement are used to fill and seal cavities or minor regions of dental decay.

Dental bonding is a technique that involves applying a tooth-colored composite resin material to the tooth and sculpting it into form to improve its appearance or repair minor damage like chips, cracks or gaps. Bonding is a less intrusive alternative to crowns that may typically be accomplished in a single dental visit.

Dental veneers are thin shells of porcelain or composite resin that are attached to the front surfaces of teeth to enhance their appearance. Veneers are frequently used to repair cosmetic concerns such as stains, discolouration, chipping and minor misalignment of teeth. While veneers are not a direct replacement for crowns for healing broken teeth, they can give aesthetic benefits for teeth with minor flaws.

Root Canal Treatment, if a tooth is significantly damaged or infected, root canal therapy may be required to save it and relieve discomfort. Following root canal therapy, the tooth may be repaired with a dental filling in some situations

Alternative treatment options are determined by factors such as the severity of tooth damage or decay, the patient's oral health needs, aesthetic concerns, and financial constraints.

Dental crowns may be indicated in a variety of dental problems and settings to restore tooth function, strength, and aesthetics. Here are some frequent reasons why someone might need.

Tooth Decay, if a tooth has significant decay or cavities that cannot be properly healed with dental fillings, a crown may be prescribed to cover and protect the remaining tooth structure.

Teeth that have been fractured, cracked or weakened as a result of trauma, accident or wear may necessitate the use to restore strength and prevent additional damage.

Large Fillings, teeth with large fillings that take up a considerable section of the tooth structure may benefit  to give extra support and prevent fracture.

Root Canal Treatment, teeth that have undergone root canal treatment often become weakened and more prone to fracture. Crowns are commonly placed over teeth following root canal therapy to protect and strengthen the tooth structure.

Cosmetic Enhancement, can be used for cosmetic purposes to improve the appearance of teeth that are discolored, misshapen or have aesthetic imperfections. Crowns can provide natural-looking results and enhance the overall appearance of the smile.

Misaligned or Malformed Teeth, crowns can be used to reshape and align misaligned or malformed teeth, improving their appearance and function.

Support for Dental Bridges,  are used as support structures for dental bridges, which replace missing teeth by bridging the gap between adjacent teeth.

Crowns are placed on dental implants to replace lost teeth. The crown is the visible, functional component of the dental restoration linked to the implant fixture.

The lifespan varies depending on a number of factors, including the type of crown, the material used, oral hygiene practices, and personal behaviors. However, with proper care and maintenance, last for years, if not decades. Here are a few factors,

Durability varies depending on their type. For example, all-metal crowns are known for their durability and longevity, whereas all-ceramic crowns may be more prone to chipping or fracture over time.

The crown's lifetime might also be affected by the material used in its construction. For example, zirconia crowns are known for their resilience and resistance to wear, making them a long-lasting option for dental restorations.

Oral Hygiene, good oral hygiene practices, such as frequent brushing, flossing and dental check-ups, can help prevent decay and gum disease at the crown borders, which can shorten its life.

Bruxism (Teeth Grinding), constant teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism) can cause excessive strain resulting in premature deterioration, chipping and fracture. In such instances, sleeping with a custom-made night guard can help protect and extend the life of the crowns.

Diet and Habits, avoiding hard or sticky foods, as well as habits such as biting on pens or ice cubes, will help last longer.

Quality of Dental Work, the competence and expertise of the dentist and dental laboratory technician who fabricate and place the crown can also have an impact on its longevity. Long-term success depends on proper tooth preparation, good bite alignment and exact crown fitting.