Crowns are custom-made and are cemented into place, providing you with a functional and natural “tooth-like” cover over your own tooth. Crowns can be made of metal or ceramic fused to metal, or even completely ceramic (tooth coloured porcelain). The strength and durability available with modern materials, have reduced need for metal substructures previously necessary to strengthen crowns. These all ceramic materials allow us to achieve exceptional aesthetic results and avoids the “metal margins” seen after the gum recedes over time.
Posterior Crown
The tooth is prepared. A crown is made and fitted to the tooth.
Dental crowns differ from veneers in that they cover all surfaces of the tooth, where veneers cover a part of it.
Crowns are used to:
- Protect a tooth with extensive restoration from breaking.
- To replace existing crowns that are damaged, worn or have a poor appearance.
- To protect a tooth that is structurally compromised: broken, cracked or chipped.
- To restore a tooth to full functionality and best aesthetic appearance.
- To restore a tooth that has suffered extensive losses of tooth surface.
- Provide support to dental bridges filling gaps between teeth and covering portions of a fractured tooth for stability and functionality.
What are the processes involved in having a crown?
A thorough assessment, including a dental x-ray, will determine the suitability for a crown. You shall have an opportunity to discuss the procedure and ask any questions to our general dentists.
Preparation
The tooth is numbed using local anaesthetic, and then it is prepared and shaped to make appropriate space for the crown. An impression of this is sent to the ceramist, along with your dentist’s instructions for constructing your crown. At this time, a provisional crown will be placed by your dentist to protect your tooth, provide function and give aesthetic appeal whist the ceramist is hand-crafting your permanent crown.
This visit can be expected to last just over an hour. We will work with you to ensure appointments are as convenient as possible with your schedule.
Final Visit
- After carefully removing your temporary crown, the custom-made crown will be tried in and shown to you. Once satisfied with the appearance and fit, it shall be fitted.
- Your dentist may schedule a review visit following your final treatment, in order to examine your new crown and check it is comfortable. It is important to remember to adhere to strict oral hygiene routines, because a crowned tooth is still prone to decay or gum disease.
- You should strive to keep your regularly scheduled hygienist appointments as well to ensure your optimum dental health.
What Types of crowns are used for restorative treatments?
There are a number of materials available with different properties. Your dentist will discuss which is the most suitable option for you.
Porcelain Bonded to Metal
This crown material combination allows for a duality of purpose that supports with both beauty and strength. By bonding tooth coloured porcelain to a metal sub-structure, the crown has acceptable durability and appearance. It is preferable to use a precious metal for its biocompatibility with your gums. This biocompatibility reduces the chances of inflammation. Additionally, corrosion is less likely with precious metals. Occasionally, if the gum around a crown recedes, a black line may appear (the metal in the crown being exposed) and create a less attractive appearance to your smile.
All Porcelain
This crown material offers a very natural aesthetic appearance attained through its unique processing, achieving a translucency and opalescence that begs comparisons to nature. It can chemically bond with your tooth enamel, is strong and achieves a much more natural look. It is particularly useful for front teeth.
Gold
This historic crown material has been used in restorative treatments for decades and is especially effective on back teeth, due to its durability and the fact that gold’s wear characteristics are similar to natural tooth enamel. Able to be formed using material less than 1mm thick, gold preserves more of your tooth’s structure as it needs minimal tooth preparation, so it’s rather conservative.
Crown Options
A metal crown, covered in porcelain, is considered by many as traditional. But in certain light, this can make the tooth look dull and lifeless. An alternative is for the crown to be made of solid porcelain. This will give a more natural look to the tooth.
