Dental crowns have become a popular way to not only protect and repair teeth from decay, but they are also a common part of a smile makeover. They look and feel very much like your natural teeth and can be used to level out a smile to make it more even and consistent.
Dental crowns are a custom-made, permanent restoration for chipped, decayed, or broken teeth. They are fitted to the existing tooth and have also been called “caps” in the past. Modern dental crowns have more cosmetic value than the “caps” of years gone by.
A crown has the benefit of not only improving the appearance of a tooth but also of adding strength and preventing further damage in many cases.
Crowns are also used in implant procedures. In this case, a crown, which is essentially a whole tooth, is attached to an artificial root, that is attached to the jawbone to hold the crown in place.
A patient may choose to have a crown inserted for several reasons, some of them include:
- preserving a tooth that has been cracked or decayed, essentially holding it together or helping to prevent it from breaking.
- replacing an old, or broken, or amalgam tooth filling
- restoring the look of a broken tooth
- lengthening a tooth that has been worn down
- helping to close gaps between teeth during a cosmetic procedure
- holding a dental bridge in place
- reshaping a tooth
- strengthening a tooth after a root canal treatment
What are dental crowns made of and how long do they last?
The most common material used to make dental crowns these days is porcelain. It is a very hard, durable material that lasts for many, many years.
Caring for dental crowns is very similar to looking after natural teeth. They should be brushed in the same way as existing teeth, and flossed too, to remove any food or other build-ups between your teeth.
What are the steps in a dental crown procedure?
The process of fitting a dental crown will always depend on each patients’ individual circumstances. Often the procedure starts with an examination, possibly an X-ray, and a discussion about the reason for getting a crown. From there, the next steps will depend on things such as the level of decay, cracking, or other tooth damage, how many crowns will be attached, and many other variables.
At Koo Wee Rup Dental Surgery, we create a treatment plan to suit each patient’s needs. A crown can not be fitted in one appointment, as it needs to be custom made to fit your teeth and that takes time.
We are very experienced at guiding many patients through the process of smile makeovers and fitting dental crowns for several reasons. If you have any questions you would like to ask or to book an appointment with one of our dentists at our surgery, then feel free to contact us today.