If you want to treat your broken tooth with fillings or root canals, you should know that these treatments will affect your tooth’s strength. Therefore, a dental crown might sometimes be necessary.

In this article, we will go deeper into the various types of dental crowns available and walk you through the procedure involved in getting dental caps. 

What is a dental crown? 

Dental crowns are considered a multi-functional dental treatment. They can help those with dental problems or who want a new smile to improve their personality and quality of life. 

Crowns are customized caps that fit smoothly over existing teeth, providing support, strength, and reinforcement. They address various dental concerns, from repairing cracked teeth to covering discolored ones. 

A dental crown covering the affected tooth improves its aesthetics and structural integrity. These crowns ensure a seamless and natural blend with the rest of your smile. 

Additionally, dental crowns also serve cosmetic purposes. For example, it can improve the appearance of discolored, misshapen, or poorly aligned teeth. 

 

When would you need a dental crown?

Various scenarios make dental crowns necessary for your tooth’s treatment. If your tooth is badly damaged and regular filling cannot fix it, then your dentist might suggest you use a dental crown. The root canal mostly weakens the teeth structure. Your dentist might recommend dental crown treatment to protect your teeth from further damage. 

Generally, dental crowns are used to repair cracked or fractured teeth. The crown provides reinforcement and restores functionality, allowing you to bite and chew without discomfort or risk of further harm. 

 

Dental crowns can also improve teeth that are discolored, misshapen or have severe cosmetic imperfections. 

Dental crowns are also used to support dental bridges, anchoring them securely in places to fill gaps left by missing teeth. 

Crowns are also utilized to cover dental implants, providing a natural-looking replacement for missing teeth.

Types of Dental Crown

Metal Crown: 

Metal crowns are made of strong alloys such as gold, palladium, nickel, and chromium. Therefore, these crowns last the longest. They rarely chip or break. Also, regarding the warning, these crowns need a small amount of enamel removal. These are also capable of resisting biting and chewing force. 

Despite their strength, their metallic color makes them less desirable for visible areas. Most people use them for out-of-sight molars. 

 

Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns:

 These crowns combine the longevity of metal with the natural look of porcelain. With porcelain, dentists can match these crowns to the shade of your teeth. 

Along with their strengths, PFM Crowns have some weaknesses. The porcelain coating can wear off over time, exposing the metal underneath. Additionally, enamel erosion is risky on the opposite teeth of PFM Crowns. This crown lasts as long as metal crowns. Due to the porcelain coating, crown restoration can be done on both the front and back teeth. 

Pressed ceramic crowns: 

A pressed ceramic crown is similar to a PFM, but its core is ceramic instead of metal. This ceramic inner core makes this crown stronger. Technicians melt and press ceramic in an oven at a very high temperature to make this inner core. 

Then, multiple layers of porcelain are added. This porcelain coating makes the crown look natural, so it can be used on both the front and back teeth. 

Like PFM, pressed ceramic crowns have similar drawbacks. The porcelain layers can chip away with time. 

All-ceramic or porcelain crowns: 

This type of crown has the visibility of natural-looking teeth more than any other crown type. They are a good choice for those who have metal allergies.  

Technicians use various materials to make ceramic crowns, but one of the most popular materials is ‘Zirconium dioxide.’ 

These crowns are highly durable and resist heavier forces than other ceramic crowns. 

Also, these crowns are gentle on opposing teeth, causing less enamel wear. 

Same-day dental crowns: 

Dentists use computer-aided design and manufacturing technology to create crowns in their offices while you wait. 

With this software, your dentist can take digital dental impressions of your teeth and then use those to design a custom crown. After the dentist designs the crown, they will send the image files to an on-site milling machine. Then, the solid block of ceramic will be crafted by the machine. 

The main advantage of this technology is that you can get the crown in just one office visit. 

All resin crowns:

 Dental crowns made out of resin are less expensive than other types of crowns. But they are also fragile and more likely to break than PFM crowns. These crowns last for three to five years on average. 

How do I care for my dental crown? 

After applying a dental crown, it’s important to take care of it to ensure its longevity and effectiveness and maintain oral health. Few things you need to do constantly to care for your dental crown. 

• Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss between your teeth to remove plaque and food debris. 
• Do regular check-ups to understand the condition of your crown, and whenever you face any problem, address it quickly. 
• Avoid putting unnecessary stress on the crown, like chewing on hard objects or foods. 
• If you face discomfort or notice any changes in your crown, consult your dentist. 

When to Call the Doctor?

When should I call a dentist?

If you decide to take this dental crown, you should also know when you need to consult your dentist to maintain the health and longevity of your crown. 

• Whenever you feel continuous pain or discomfort around the crowned tooth, you need to call for a professional immediately. 
• It should be addressed immediately if you feel any sign of damage to the crown, like chips, cracks, or loose-fitting. Otherwise, it will cause further complications. 

• Changes in the fit or appearance of the crown should be addressed immediately. 
• Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures is a very vital reason to call for professional help.
•  Addressing any issues at the correct time can increase the longevity of your dental crown and help you maintain sound oral health. 

Veneers vs. crowns: Which option is right for me?

Veneers are thin shells that cover the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance, especially for minor cosmetic issues like stains or chips. On the other hand, crowns cover the entire tooth and provide both aesthetic enhancement and structural reinforcement, making them suitable for more significant damage. 

The better option for you depends on your dental health, desired outcomes, and budget. So if you want to choose between them, talk to your dentist. 

 

Conclusion:

To conclude, you need to understand the various aspects of dental crowns before deciding on your mental health. Dental crowns are your one-stop solution for various dental problems. 

You can make the best decision by understanding all types of dental crowns and considering factors such as durability, aesthetics, and suitability for your specific needs. 

Additionally, knowing when to seek professional help and how to properly care for your dental crown ensures its longevity and effectiveness in maintaining oral health. Whether considering dental crowns, veneers, or other dental treatments, consulting with your dentist is key to achieving the smile you desire and maintaining optimal dental health for years.