Dental crowns are "caps" or "crowns" made of porcelain or composite resin material. It is a prosthesis that fits perfectly over the top of a tooth, covering it down to the gum line. Porcelain crowns are being customized, matching the original shape of the natural tooth. The color is accurately matched to the adjoining teeth.
To get back the strength to a tooth and restore its functions is the main motive of a dental crown.
Why do you need a dental crown?
You need a dental crown only:
- If you have a broken tooth, chipped teeth, misshapen teeth, fractured teeth, decayed teeth
- Teeth with large fillings or fractured fillings
- Badly worn or stained teeth
- Teeth that had a root canal
- If there are any teeth on both sides of a bridge
What are the types of dental crowns?
- Stainless Steel crowns are ready-made crowns made primarily to be used on a temporary measure instead of a permanent one. Usually, these dental crowns are used for children as they don't require multiple dental visits to put it in place. It is also valid for its cost.
- Metals used in crowns use alloys that have a high rate of gold or platinum or base-metal alloys like cobalt-chromium and nickel-chromium alloys. These metal crowns last the longest in terms of wearing down as they can withstand biting and chewing. The only main drawback of this metallic crown is its metallic color.
- Porcelain fused to metal are metal crowns that can have customized color matching the adjoining teeth. These crowns are a good choice for front or back teeth also for the long bridges.
- All-resin dental crowns are cheaper than other crown types. But, the problem with them is that they wear down over time and are more prone to fractures than porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns.
- All-ceramic or all-porcelain dental crowns take away the artificial look with its natural color matching property than any other crown type and are even more suitable for people who have metal allergies.
- Temporary V/s permanent: Temporary crowns are placed for temporary use until a permanent crown is prepared in the dentistry lab. They are made of stainless steel or an acrylic-based material.
How should you care for the dental crown?
Things to be kept in mind after a dental crown;
- Avoid foods that can grab or pull off the crown, especially the sticky and chewy ones.
- Do not use the side of the mouth that had a dental crown. Try to eat with the other side.
- Avoid eating hard foods that can break down your crowns easily.
- If you are using a temporary crown, then remove it before brushing and flossing.
Call us at (386) 445-6111 or schedule an online appointment with Dr. Jacob for a consultation at our office in Palm Coast, FL.
