What are Dental Crowns and What Makes Them a Good Choice?

Dental crowns are custom-made caps that are placed over an existing tooth for protection and/or cosmetic reasons. Dentists may recommend a dental crown for patients with tooth decay, cracked or chipped teeth or large gaps between teeth. Dental crowns are made from a variety of materials. They are strong and can last many years when taken care of. At Whitehorse Dental we offer dental crowns made using the latest technology.  

In this article, we answer the question, “what are dental crowns?” and discuss why they may be recommended. 

What are dental crowns?

Dental crowns are used to restore the structure of a tooth that has been damaged. They can also improve the appearance of a patient’s smile. Crowns are custom-made in special dental labs using a variety of materials. They can be colour matched to suit your existing teeth. Dental crowns are permanently bonded in place and can last for many years with the right care. They can assist with treating the following oral health problems:

• Severe tooth damage     
• Severe tooth decay
• Cracked teeth
• Weakened teeth  
• Discoloured teeth   
• Misshapen teeth    
• Excessively worn teeth
• Misaligned teeth

What are dental crowns made of?

There are a few different materials from which dental crowns can be made. Each option ranges in appearance and price. Your dentist can recommend the best option for your specific circumstances. 

Metal crowns

Metal crowns are usually the longest-lasting type of crown as they are very strong in structure. They rarely break or fall out. They are made from a mixture of metals that may include gold or silver. These types of crowns usually go on molars- your back teeth. This is because they have a distinctive colour and cannot be matched to your natural tooth colour. 

Porcelain fused to metal

Porcelain fused to metal crowns are made from a mixture of porcelain and metal. They are widely used as they provide both aesthetics and strength. The porcelain can be colour matched to your existing teeth and the metal fusion provides lasting strength. 

All resin crowns

All resin crowns are made from a composite material that can be colour matched to your teeth. The material is either hardened at room temperature or by a special light. Although these crowns are natural-looking, they may not be as strong as some other options. They usually wear and tear over a few years. 

All-porcelain crowns

Crowns made entirely of porcelain are one of the most popular options. The material is both strong and natural-looking, so it adds to the appearance of your smile. They are biocompatible (meaning they are free from any toxins) and can be used on front teeth. They are not quite as strong as metal crowns but are the next best thing in terms of durability.

What makes dental crowns a good choice?

Dental crowns can be used to restore both function and appearance to your teeth. They can also be used to protect a tooth after root canal treatment or top off a dental implant. A tooth that has been damaged by chips, cracks or decay can be structurally reinforced by a crown.

The dental crown procedure

A dental crown procedure is relatively quick, easy and non-invasive. Dental crowns usually require two separate dental appointments. The first appointment is about preparation. Your dentist administers a local anaesthetic before preparing your tooth. Then they take an impression of your tooth and send it to a special dental lab. Your crown may take a few weeks to be ready so your dentist will place a temporary crown over your tooth in the meantime. 

During your second visit, your dentist removes the temporary crown and fits your new one in place. They use special glue to adhere the crown to your tooth. Once the crown has been fitted, your dentist will double-check your bite and alignment. There isn’t much downtime after a dental crown procedure. You may experience some slight sensitivity for the first 24 to 48 hours.

How Whitehorse Dental can help

At Whitehorse Dental we combine excellent dental care with friendly service. We are passionate about the health of all our patients’ teeth. Our team of dentists are highly trained and have a lot of experience when it comes to dental crowns. If you’d like to know more about dental crowns at Whitehorse dental, please give us a call today.