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Bancroft, ON K0L 1C0


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Crowns

As we get older, many of us discover that our teeth are no longer as structurally sound as they were in our youth. Grinding your teeth, an improper bite, age, fillings and tooth decay are all contributing factors in the erosion, cracking or break down of your teeth. A crown, sometimes referred to as a “cap”, is an artificial covering cemented over an existing tooth that has been specially prepared by the dentist. Dr. Lord may recommend a crown if your tooth is fractured, has a large old filling, has had root canal treatment, or is severely damaged by decay. Crowns can restore a tooth to its original shape, strengthen a tooth and improve your overall appearance.

What are Crowns?

Root canals, lost fillings, grinding your teeth, an improper bite, chipping and cracking of the enamel, age, fillings and tooth decay can all be contributing factors that can lead to large scale defects in a tooth's surface. Dental crowns cover the entire visible surface of your affected tooth and add strength, durability and tooth stability. 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. There are different reasons for crowns and different types of crowns, Dr. Lord will assess which one will be the best for you.

Tooth Crown Procedure

How are Tooth Crowns Attached to your Tooth?

Placing a crown is a precision procedure. Several steps are involved, and at least two dental visits generally are required for completion. The dentist will prepares the tooth by removing its outer portion to accommodate the crown. If the tooth has a filling, part of it may be left in place to serve as a foundation for the crown. An impression is made to provide an exact model of the tooth. A dental laboratory technician, following the dentist's written instructions, will then make the crown from the model - this takes about two weeks. “Temporary" crowns are put in place while the permanent crown is being made. If the shapes or lengths of your teeth are being changed for cosmetic purposes, temporary crowns will allow you to become accustomed to these changes. Temporary crowns also can help you decide if there are any changes you would like made before the finished crowns are placed. When the crown is finished, the dentist inserts it on your tooth and then makes necessary adjustments to the crown. To see how your crown will look, you can use a large mirror held at arms' length in various types of lighting. When you and your dentist are satisfied with its appearance, the crown will be cemented in place.

Caring for my Crowns

When you have crowns, it is especially important to brush twice a day and clean between your teeth daily with floss or other interdental cleaners. Brushing and flossing is important to remove plaque. Be sure to remove plaque from the area where the gum meets the tooth (the sulcus). Plaque accumulating in the sulcus and can cause dental decay or gum disease. To prevent damaging the crowns, avoid chewing hard foods, ice, or other hard objects. It also is important to visit your dentist regularly.

Types of Tooth Crowns

There are basically three types of crowns, those made of gold, ceramic crowns and ceramic-veneered gold crowns. Gold and metal-ceramic crowns are extremely durable and are normally used in molars, where the forces from chewing and grinding are most prevalent. Ceramic crowns are used primarily for front teeth, since they can best resemble the natural tooth color.

Resin and Porcelain Crowns

The new reinforced resin or bonded all-porcelain tcrown have the nicest appearance. These crowns can be made from pure ceramic or a new reinforced composite resin, and is almost indistinguishable from natural teeth. The new bonding technology involved provides an exceptional bond for your tooth. It is metal-free, and thus satisfies the needs of patients with metal sensitivities. Now teeth can be restored and straightened with new All Porcelain Crowns.

Crowns Made of Gold

Gold crowns are appropriate when appearance is not a priority to you. The gold metal is extremely workable making gold crowns a more precise fit than any other type. While there exists a slight possibility of chipping with porcelain crowns, gold crowns provide no such possibility.

Porcelain and Metal Crowns

For a very natural appearance, porcelain fused to metal crowns are the answer. However, they have a metal substructure and require an opaque layer below the porcelain. This can make the translucency of natural teeth difficult to replicate.

Occasionally a darker line will become visible at the edge of the crown, near to your gum when it recedes with age.

Pros and Cons of Dental Crowns Types

Tooth crowns in general add a good deal of strength to weakened or worn teeth. Depending on your habits and the condition of your gums, there can be some drawbacks. Your dentist will advise which is best for you given many factors, including how important appearance is to you. The following are the advantages and disadvantages of the most common crown types.

Gold Crowns

Advantage: The preparation of a tooth for a gold crown is the simplest and least complicated preparation as there is minimal tooth structure removal with as much as possible of the healthy tooth structure remaining untouched. While porcelain is hard by comparison, it may cause wear on opposing teeth over the years where gold is not as likely to do so. Gold is also easier to fit to the area where the tooth and crown meet for a better fit. Gold is also a healthier environment for the gum tissue.

Disadvantage: The biggest disadvantage to gold crowns is the cosmetic aspect, unless it is being used in the back of your mouth.

Porcelain Crowns

Advantage: Porcelain crowns or new reinforced resin are considered to be the most aesthetically pleasing, as it is easier to match in color to the surrounding teeth.

Disadvantage: The thickness of the porcelain required for pleasing aesthetics also requires that more tooth structure needs to be removed. It is more difficult for your cosmetic dentist to get an ideal fit where your gum meets the crown. Gingival inflammation appears to be more common with porcelain crowns than gold crowns. All-porcelain crowns require a higher skill level from your dentist and lab.

Porcelain Fused-to-Metal Crowns

Advantage: Porcelain fused-to-metal crowns have a very natural appearance.

Disadvantage: They have a metal substructure and require an opaque below the porcelain. This can make the translucency of natural teeth difficult to replicate. Occasionally a darker line will be visible at the edge of the crown, near to your gum when it recedes with age or where a darker tooth root may show, especially where the original tooth was discoloured or had the nerve removed.

Crowns can cover and support a tooth with a large filling when there isn't enough tooth left. protect a weak tooth from breaking or restore one that's already broken. A crown is a good way to cover teeth that are discolored or badly shaped.

If your dentist recommends a crown, it's probably to correct one of these conditions. Your dentist's primary concern, like yours, is helping you keep your teeth healthy and your smile bright.

Beautiful Looking Crowns

Crowns are placed for a variety of reasons. Crowns can be used to: