Caring for your teeth is vital for maintaining a radiant smile. However, dental issues may arise, necessitating treatments to address them. Dental crowns serve as a valuable solution for restoring both the appearance and functionality of your teeth. This article delves into the purpose, types, and procedure of dental crowns to provide comprehensive insight into their benefits.
What is A Dental Crown?
A dental crown acts as a protective cap for your tooth, commonly used to repair decayed, broken, or weakened teeth. Crafted from materials like resin, metal, or porcelain, it serves as a sturdy shield enveloping the entire tooth.
What are the Benefits of Dental Crowns?
- Prolongs the lifespan of natural teeth
- Restores damaged or decaying teeth
- Safeguards teeth from wear and tear
- Enhances chewing function
- Improves overall appearance
- Lasts 5-15 years with proper care
Procedure for Getting a Dental Crown
While dental crowns usually require two separate visits, milled porcelain crowns require no messy putty impressions and are digitally constructed in Reveal Dental’s office using CEREC technology. They are carved out of a ceramic block using a CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) system and are fabricated and inserted in just one visit.
During Your Appointment:
Preparing Your Teeth: The dentist removes a portion of the natural enamel to accommodate the crown, sometimes reinforcing the tooth with fillings.
Dental Impressions: Impressions of your teeth are taken.
Porcelain Crown Installation: The permanent crown is checked for fit, color, and shape before being permanently bonded to the tooth.
Types of Dental Crowns
Various types of dental crowns are available, each catering to different needs:
- Metal Crowns: Durable and suitable for molars, crafted from materials like gold, chromium, or nickel.
- Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns: Combine the strength of metal with the natural appearance of porcelain, suitable for both front and back teeth.
- Pressed Ceramic Crowns: Feature a pressed ceramic core covered with porcelain layers, replicating the clarity of natural enamel.
- All-Ceramic or Porcelain Crowns (used by Reveal Dental): Offer a natural appearance and are ideal for individuals allergic to metal, often made from materials like zirconia for enhanced durability.
- Same-Day Dental Crowns: Utilize CAD/CAM technology to create crowns in a single visit, offering convenience and efficiency.
- All-Resin Crowns: Cost-effective and suitable for temporary use, lasting approximately three to five years.
Conclusion
Dental crowns play a crucial role in enhancing both the aesthetics and functionality of your smile. Understanding the different types and their fabrication processes is essential for ensuring the longevity of your crown. By collaborating with experienced dentists at Reveal Dental and practicing proper oral hygiene, you can achieve a beautiful and fully functional smile.