Crowns

What Are Dental Crowns?

A dental crown, often referred to as a “cap,” is a type of dental restoration that completely caps or encircles a tooth or dental implant. Dental crowns are typically bonded to the tooth using dental cement.

Why are Dental Crowns Used?

  • Protection: Crowns provide protection to weak teeth that are at risk of fracture or further damage.
  • Restoration: They restore the shape, size, and functionality of a tooth that has been extensively damaged or decayed.
  • Aesthetics: Crowns improve the appearance of discolored, misshapen, or otherwise unsightly teeth.
  • Support: They can be used to hold dental bridges in place or cover dental implants.
  • Strengthening: Crowns strengthen teeth that have undergone root canal treatment, preventing further breakage.

Types of Dental Crowns:

Porcelain-Fused-To-Metal (PFM) Crowns: This crown provides a stronger bond than regular porcelain because it is connected to a metal structure. It’s also extremely durable.

Ceramic or Porcelain Crowns: Made entirely of ceramic or porcelain, these crowns offer excellent aesthetics and are suitable for front teeth.

Metal Crowns: Usually made of gold or other alloys, metal crowns are strong and durable. They are typically used for molars due to their metallic appearance.

Zirconia Crowns: These crowns are made of zirconia, a strong and tooth-colored material that offers excellent aesthetics and durability.

Who Are Dental Crowns Best For?

Dental crowns are suitable for individuals with the following conditions:

  • Severely decayed or damaged teeth
  • Teeth with large fillings and minimal remaining natural tooth structure
  • Fractured or broken teeth
  • Teeth that have undergone root canal treatment
  • Severely discolored or misshapen teeth
  • Teeth with gaps that require support for dental bridges or implants.

Pros and Cons of Different Dental Crowns

Ceramic Crowns: They provide the best natural color match and are more suitable for people with metal allergies. However, they aren’t as strong as porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, and they wear down opposing teeth a little more than metal or resin crowns.

Porcelain-Fused-To-Metal (PFM) Crowns: They look most like normal teeth. However, sometimes the metal underlying the crown’s porcelain can show through as a dark line, especially at the gum line, and even more so if your gums recede. These crowns can also wear down opposing teeth more than metal or resin crowns.

Gold Alloys Crowns: They offer strong, long-lasting wear that doesn’t corrode and is gentle to opposing teeth. However, the gold color does not match natural teeth and is not a popular choice for most.

Base Metal Alloys Crowns: They are very resistant to corrosion and are very strong. However, the metallic color is not as natural-looking as ceramic or porcelain crowns.

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

On average, dental crowns last between five and fifteen years. The life span of a crown depends on the amount of wear and tear the crown is exposed to, how well you follow good oral hygiene practices, and your personal mouth-related habits (for example, avoid grinding your teeth, chewing ice, biting your fingernails and using your teeth to open packaging).

Interested in Learning More About Dental Crowns?

Dr. Patel and his team at Colonialtown Dental has extensive experience and knowledge regarding Dental Crowns and other solutions for missing teeth. Colonialtown Dental has been serving Orlando and the surrounding areas for over 28 years. Book online or give us a call today!