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Each of your teeth depends on the others to help you eat and speak. So, when one or more is damaged the health of the others may be threatened. It may become hard for you to chew, or the appearance of your smile may change. If you are having problems with one or more of your teeth, a crown can help restore your mouth to its normal function.
 A crown (often called a cap) is an artificial cover that is placed on an individual tooth (somewhat like a thimble over your finger) to restore a decoyed or damaged tooth to its normal shape and size. This procedure is often necessary when there is no longer sufficient tooth structure left to place a filling. It is also useful for protecting teeth that are cracked or broken. A crown can also be used to change the shape of a tooth, to correct a bite or cosmetic problem, or to replace existing broken or poor-fitting crowns. A crown may be made of gold, other metals, or porcelain which makes them durable and strong, so replacements are needed less often.
Crowning is quite an aggressive form of treatment because the entire tooth surface must be reduced and replaced with an artificial material. But because of its strength and resistance to chewing stress, a crown is functionally superior to other esthetic procedures.
There are several types of esthetic crowns. The type of crown you and your dentist choose will depend on o number of factors, including the location of the tooth or teeth being crowned, the type and severity of the discoloration, and the overall health of the surrounding gums.
Advantages include: strongest crown, doesn't fracture or chip alternative esthetic type crown, the most economical.
Disadvantages include: metal tissue shrinks or is thin, metalr of the porcelain, and there bluish tint of gum if gum tissue metal shows through.
Advantages include: kind to tissues and gums, strong, nothing chips or breaks off like with porcelain and composite crowns.
Disadvantages include: not as esthetic us, other crowns.
Advantages include: most esthetic throughout crown life, and no metal shows.
Disadvantages include: not as strong as ceramo-metal crown, margin may be more susceptible to chipping, and more costly to make.
Fitting a crown is a two-step procedure. During your first visit, your dentist prepares and reshapes your tooth by removing enamel and dentin to allow room for the crown. You will be given anesthesia before hand. Then an impression of the prepared tooth and of the surrounding and opposing teeth is taken. Before you leave the office, your dentist makes and applies a temporary crown to protect the prepared tooth between visits.
Expect to wait one week between visits while your crown is being
made. Meanwhile, take care of your temporary crown by avoiding hard or sticky foods. In the event the crown comes loose, call your dentist so the prepared tooth won't
be damaged.
At your second visit, your dentist removes the temporary crown and fits the permanent crown onto your tooth making sure it restores your tooth to its proper shape, look, and comfort level. If necessary, your dentist may have to adjust the crown by modifying the shape. Once the fit is the way you want, cements are applied and the crown is positioned securely onto your tooth.
If the crown needs further changes, additional visits may be necessary.
Crowns are designed to look and feel like real teeth. As with your original smile, care just be taken to avoid tooth fractures, and with good oral hygiene, your crown will last longer. It is recommended that you:
- brush and floss around your crowned tooth thoroughly to remove decay-causing germs
- see your dentist regularly to help prolong the life of your crown
- ask your dentist about special cleaning aids
You should know:
- Crowns can fracture.
- The procedure requires anesthesia.
- Original tooth form is altered (possibly involving the nerve).
- Crowns are not permanent (may need to be replaced after 5 to 15 yeors).
- If tissue shrinkage occurs, it can expose the junction between the tooth and crown, allowing for the possibility of an unsightly line.
- Crowns may not give the best aesthetic result for people with serious bite or gum problems.
The greatest things about crowns are:
- Dentist con repair chipped or fractured tooth.
- Teeth can be lightened to any shade.
- Some realignment or straightening of the teeth is possible.
- Crowns can be shaped to esthetically fill gaps.
- Longest life of any restoration.
If you have any further questions regarding crowns or other procedures to improve your smile, please ask your dentist
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