As we age, many of us find ourselves with teeth that are no longer structurally sound. Root canals, lost fillings, decay below a filling, chipping and cracking of the enamel are all things that can lead to large scale defects in a tooth's surface. When the entire surface of the tooth is a problem, but the root system is intact, a crown might be just what the dentist orders.
So What exactly are dental crowns?
Porcelain crowns refer to a dental crown made that utilizes porcelain. There are two types of dental crowns that use porcelain material. These are porcelain or reinforced resin crowns and combination crowns that uses a mixture of porcelain and either metal or gold.
Porcelain or reinforced resin dental crowns are generally used for the front teeth and are the most esthetically pleasing dental crown. Mirroring the colour of natural teeth this type of dental crown has the advantages of capturing and reflecting light like natural teeth as well as having a natural appearance with a smooth surface. However an ideal fit where the gum meets the crown is more difficult in porcelain crowns due to its thickness. More tooth structure has to be removed and it appears that gingival inflammation is more common in porcelain dental crowns compared to gold dental crowns. Although these types of crowns are more likely to chip than a metal crown it is still extremely durable. It is also the recommended dental crown for patients with metal sensitivities.
Combination dental crowns that mix porcelain and metal also provide a natural looking appearance. However since the porcelain is fused to metal crowns it does not have the advantage of being able to capture and reflect light like natural teeth or porcelain crowns have. The metal substructure of combination crowns mean an opaque is required below the porcelain. Therefore on occasion a darker line will become visible at the edge of the crown near to the gum as the gum recedes with age. Despite this esthetic disadvantage combination crowns are the strongest of the different varieties of dental crowns and are the most common. Combination dental crowns that utilize a mixture of porcelain and gold are more esthetically pleasing than combination crowns that use other base metals. However it is not as strong as other combination crowns but is stronger than a reinforced resin dental crown.
PLACING DENTAL CROWNS
Placing porcelain crowns will take two visits. During the first visit, our experienced cosmetic dentist, will remove the decayed tooth material and reshape the tooth to accept the crown. Afterwards, he will take an impression of your tooth and place a temporary crown over it. The temporary crown, made of composite resin, will ensure that the damaged tooth doesn’t move and that there is no further wear to the tooth structure while the permanent crown is being prepared.
When your porcelain crowns are ready to be placed, you will again visit the doctor’s office. He will remove the temporary crowns and replace them with the permanent ones. Before cementing them in place, he will check to make sure the shapes and colours of your new porcelain crowns are consistent with your surrounding teeth. After undergoing this treatment, not only will your bite be stronger and healthier, but also the appearance of your smile will be improved.
How long can dental crowns last?
It would be reasonable to expect that a dental crown could last between five and fifteen years. Most likely a crown which did only last five years would be somewhat of a disappointment to your dentist. It's probably their hope that any crown they make for you will last ten years or longer. Depending on the environment and forces the crown is exposed to (chewing, biting, accidental trauma, tooth grinding) and how well you keep the tooth to which it is cemented free of dental plaque, a crown can last somewhat indefinitely. Especially one positioned where its cosmetic appearance is not much of a concern.
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