All About Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a cap customized to cover a damaged or broken tooth. These crowns help restore the shape and size of a patient’s tooth, enhance its functionality and increase its strength.
Why Do You Need a Dental Crown?
Dental crowns may be necessary in the following cases:
- To cover a tooth after a root canal
- To hold a dental bridge in place
- To cover a severely discolored or misshapen tooth
- To support and cover a tooth with an extensive cavity
- To protect a weak tooth from further decay and cover dental implants
- To restore a severely worn down or broken tooth
Our experts in downtown Vancouver can better guide you if getting a dental crown can solve your dental concerns.
Types of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns can be made from several materials such as stainless steel, Zirconia, porcelain, and many more. Your dentist can better guide you about the type of crown suitable for you, depending on the position and condition of the infected tooth and the color of the surrounding teeth.
Metal Crowns
Metal crowns, also known as silver crowns, are typically used for out-of-sight teeth. These are the most affordable dental crowns but the least aesthetic. These are sturdy, moisture-resistant, and durable. Metal crowns also last the longest and can withstand biting and chewing forces. These crowns can be made using various metals such as gold, chromium, nickel, and palladium.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal Crowns
These are an aesthetic alternative to metal crowns. These are also known as veneered steel crowns or resin veneer crowns. These crowns are made of metal and coated with a tooth-colored material to match the neighboring teeth. The porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are also durable and sturdy but require more tooth preparation than metal crowns.
Zirconia Crowns
These crowns have gained popularity recently because of their better aesthetics and durability. Also known as white dental crowns, Zirconia crowns are made of a solid white or tooth-colored material that is virtually indestructible. These crowns are entirely metal-free and are prepared digitally in the lab.
All-ceramic or All-porcelain
Considered the best cosmetic choice, these crowns are commonly used for front-teeth restorations as they provide a natural color match with the surrounding teeth. These crowns can be a great alternative to metal or porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns if you have metal allergies. While these crowns aren’t as strong as other crowns, they can last for several years with proper care.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
Depending on the material of the crown, oral hygiene practices, and lifestyle of the patient, dental crowns can typically last from five to 15 years. The life span of your crown also depends significantly on the wear and tear it is exposed to and certain habits such as biting the fingernails, chewing ice, clenching or grinding your teeth, and opening packaging with teeth. If you follow your dentist’s instructions and maintain good oral hygiene, you can prolong the life of your dental crowns.
If you’re dealing with broken, chipped, or severely decayed teeth, dental crowns might be a fitting choice for your dental concerns. To get expert guidance about dental crowns, schedule your appointment with our skilled dentists in downtown Vancouver today.
