Having damaged teeth significantly affects your oral health, your confidence, and even the way you speak. Crowns are dental appliances that can be made from various types of materials, including porcelain, composite resin, and metal. They are used to cap or encase the entire visible part of a damaged tooth, creating a protective covering that helps prevent further damage.
If you’re seeking ways to achieve a more beautiful smile, it helps to understand the advantages of the procedures you’re considering. In this blog post, we’ll explore the reasons why dental crowns may help address your concerns.
What Are Dental Crowns For?
The following are the functions of dental crowns:
- Restore teeth that have been weakened by large cavities, fractures, or root canal procedures
Dental crowns help strengthen the underlying tooth structure of weak teeth and improve your smile’s appearance. - Restore broken teeth that cannot be addressed by dental veneers or fillings
Some broken teeth caused by trauma, decay, and fractures may be too extensive to be addressed with dental veneers or fillings. They can be restored using dental crowns. They also help protect your teeth by reducing the risk of further breakage. - Anchore dental bridges in place to replace missing teeth
When multiple teeth are missing causing gaps in teeth, a bridge is placed in between two crowns and held together with cement. This helps prevent the drifting or shifting of your remaining natural teeth. - Improve the overall appearance of misshapen teeth
They can help enhance the shape of your teeth, making them more symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing. - Protect a tooth from further damage due to wear or decay
Dental crowns help preserve a vulnerable tooth’s underlying structure by reinforcing it and protecting it from further damage. - Restore the natural colour of severely discoloured teeth
Porcelain crowns can restore the natural colour of teeth and improve the overall aesthetic of your smile. - Hold together parts of a cracked tooth when it is not possible to restore the entire tooth with only one filling material
Crowns cover and can help bind together the parts of a cracked tooth. This way, it looks and functions like a normal tooth. - Cover and support a dental implant post
Dental crowns are sometimes used as a part of a dental implant treatment plan. They can cover an implant’s abutment or post and to replace a missing tooth.
What Are the Advantages of Dental Crowns?
- Boost confidence
Dental crowns can cover a damaged, broken, cracked, discoloured or decayed tooth. This will give the patient a more aesthetically pleasing smile and help to boost their confidence. - Long-lasting and durable
These are made of durable materials, metal crowns being the most resistant to damage. On average, they can last up to 10 to 20 years but can be more than that with proper care. Their lifespan is longer than other restorative procedures, such as dental bridges and veneers. They are also durable enough to provide a strong protective shield that makes the tooth more resilient to damage. - Aesthetically pleasing
Dental crowns can match your natural tooth colour and shape so that they seamlessly blend in with your smile. The ceramic material is the most popular as it provides the most natural appearance. - Improved functionality
A dental crown can also help restore the function of your teeth. By fitting a crown, your tooth will be better able to withstand chewing and biting forces which could cause cause more damage. - Reduced risk of further damage and decay
Dental crowns provide an extra layer of protection that helps reduce the risk of further damage or decay to your teeth. They can also help prevent bacteria from entering your tooth and causing more harm. - It is comfortable
Crowns are designed to fit snugly and comfortably in your mouth. Though the crown may initially feel a bit strange, it should quickly become a natural part of your smile. - Improved overall oral health
When a crowned tooth is properly cared for, it can help improve your overall oral health. Good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing regularly, should be maintained. This way, the crown will remain intact and prevents possible tooth loss.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Crowns?
- You must have healthy gums and tooth structure
Periodontal disease, gum disease, or weakened enamel can make it difficult for a crown to remain securely in place. If your teeth and gums are not healthy enough for a crown, you may need to undergo treatment before the restoration is placed. - You must commit to good oral hygiene habits and regular dental checkups
While crowns are durable and long-lasting, you must maintain good oral habits to avoid tooth decay. Note that decay is still possible under a crown since it covers only the visible part of your tooth. In this case, if left unmanaged, it can cause your crown to fall off and affect the adjacent teeth. - You must be free of any infection or decay in your mouth
If you have an active cavity or gum disease, you must have it managed before getting a crown.
How Long Does It Take To Get a Dental Crown?
Typically, you will be required to make two dental visits for the entire process to be completed, which are two weeks apart. Your initial appointment involves the preparation of your tooth, which usually lasts 50 to 90 minutes to complete. The second appointment is the fitting and permanent crown placement, lasting less than one hour.
Final Thoughts
Dental crowns are an excellent option in dental restoration that can help you achieve a more beautiful smile. It uses a tooth-like cap to protect your tooth with issues from further damage and decay. Dental crowns’ advantages include improved appearance, durability, functionality, and confidence. To qualify for this treatment, you must have healthy gums, natural tooth structure, and good oral hygiene habits.
If you think dental crowns can address your dental concerns, make an appointment with us now.
Prospect Road Dental Surgery is a state-of-the-art clinic with modern technology to help us provide quality dental care services, including dental crowns. We also have a team of dentists with years of experience performing this procedure. During your consultation, your dentist will assess your gums and teeth condition to determine if you are eligible for this treatment. If not, we can recommend another restoration option that suits your needs and meets your dental goals. We will also discuss the advantages, procedures, and costs of getting a dental crown. This way, you can make an informed decision on whether or not this is the right choice for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
After your dentist has assessed your oral health and determined that you are eligible, you will be given local anaesthesia to numb the area and prevent discomfort or pain. In some cases, sedatives or general anesthesia may be used for patients with dental fear or complex issues. Once it has been numb, your dentist will remove decay on the tooth and shape it accordingly. An impression of your teeth will also be taken. This is then sent to a lab where the crown will be customised according to the shade, shape, and size indicated by your dentist.
You may receive a temporary crown to protect your tooth while the permanent one is being prepared. When you come in for the second appointment, your dentist will check if the dental crown fits perfectly on your tooth. If everything is okay, they will use dental cement to secure it. Your dentist will provide you with specific post-care instructions to minimise any risks and extend the life of your crowns.
If your crown is damaged or broken, you should visit your dentist as soon as possible to replace it. The procedure is similar to the original placement, but your dentist may need additional preparation before installing the new crown.
The crown cost varies, depending on a few factors. These include your location and dentist, how many crowns you need, the type of crown required, whether or not you need additional treatments like root canal therapy, and your dental insurance coverage. According to the 2020 national dental fee survey, both porcelain and ceramic crowns can cost up to $2,100 for a single tooth. Ask your dentist for a more accurate estimate for your treatment.
Some insurance providers cover a portion of dental crown procedures under the major dental treatment category included in Extras. Contact your health fund provider before your appointment to find out more about what’s covered by your insurance.