Dental Crowns: What Are They, Types & Procedure

Dental crowns are quite common in modern dentistry. But what exactly is a dental crown? And when do you need one? Your dentist may elect to install a dental crown when your tooth has been damaged or weakened.

If you have a chipped or damaged tooth, our dentist may recommend a dental crown to get your bite back to normal and your smile looking great again. Please contact our office if you experience any tooth pain or have visible damage. But let’s learn more about dental crowns and how they are installed.

What are Dental Crowns?

A dental crown is a cap that is placed over a damaged or worn tooth. These crowns are custom-made prosthetics for each damaged tooth and simulate the functions of your natural teeth. Think of the way a crown sits on the head of a queen or king; that’s how a dental crown sits atop a tooth.

Crowns are placed on teeth that have been damaged or worn but are not completely missing. If the biting surface of your tooth has been compromised, a dental crown will simulate the role of a natural tooth to help with biting, chewing, and speaking. Dental crowns can also simulate the natural colour of your teeth, making them an aesthetic choice for teeth that have been discoloured or visibly damaged.

Reasons to Get a Dental Crown

Much of the time, a dental crown is used to increase the strength of a tooth. A large cavity that is too big for a filling may also require a crown to protect the tooth. Some of the reasons that qualify you as a candidate for a dental crown include:

• Chipped or broken tooth
• Supporting a tooth with a large filling
• Severely worn tooth
• Root canal
• Securing a dental bridge in place
• Covering a discoloured tooth

Types of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns can be made from a variety of materials. Your decision to select a certain material will depend on durability, strength, price, and aesthetics. Any permanent dental crown should last for 10 years or more. Some other factors that influence the decision on crown type include:

• Tooth’s location
• Position of gum tissue
• Amount of natural tooth remaining
• Main function of the tooth being capped

Metal Dental Crowns

Metal crowns are most often made of gold but can also include palladium, nickel and chromium. The major advantage of metal crowns is their strength — they will rarely chip or crack and wear very slowly. They are very resilient against biting and chewing. 

Metal dental crowns naturally have a metallic appearance that’s in contrast to your natural teeth. Most people elect for metal crowns in back molars. But a great choice for any tooth if you like the look of a shiny smile!

Porcelain Dental Crowns

These crowns are the most natural-looking, commonly used for front teeth. Porcelain is not as strong as metal and will have a shorter life span. All-porcelain or all-ceramic crowns are more likely to chip than metal crowns and may wear down opposing teeth more quickly. But all-porcelain crowns are colour matched to be barely visible. 

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns

This type of crown combines the strength of metal with the look of porcelain. They won’t chip or break as easily as all-porcelain crowns. Porcelain is fused to the metal crown so that the strong metal is in contact with your tooth but the appearance is still natural-looking. 

Sometimes a thin line exposing the metal can show when gums recede. This is a common choice for both front and back teeth.

Pressed Ceramic Dental Crowns

This type of crown uses a pressed ceramic core that is stronger than simple porcelain, often made from zirconium dioxide. Porcelain is used to cap the crown giving it a more natural look. A good choice that combines durability and natural aesthetics, pressed ceramic crowns are used for front and back teeth.   

All-Resin Dental Crowns

All-resin crowns are the least expensive but most brittle material commonly used. Because of this, all-resin crowns are almost always temporary crowns. Made of plastics and glass beads, these crowns are likely to wear faster than metal or porcelain caps.

How are Dental Crowns Installed?

Dental crowns are a common method for dentists to strengthen teeth and return normal functionality to damaged teeth. When your dentist confirms the need for a crown following a dental exam, you will return to the dentist for the following procedure:

1. Preparation & Anesthetic

The tooth being repaired is examined and possibly x-rayed. An impression of your tooth is made that will determine the shape of your temporary crown. If necessary, a local anesthetic will be administered.

2. Tooth Filing

So that the tooth can be installed securely and successfully, your dentist will file the tooth down. The outer layer of your tooth is removed, which will be replaced by the permanent crown.

3. Tooth Impression

An impression is made of the filed-down tooth and the area surrounding the crown placement. This will determine the shape of the permanent dental crown, which will be custom-made based on the impression.

4. Temporary Crown

To bridge the gap until your permanent crown is ready, the dentist will install a temporary crown. This protects the filed-down tooth and allows you to chew and bite in the meantime. Keep in mind that temporary crowns may not resemble the permanent crown in shape or colour. 

5. Permanent Crown Placement

When the permanent crown has been manufactured you will return to the dentist. At this time the temporary crown is removed and the permanent crown is placed. After checking for accuracy in fit, function, and appearance, this dental crown will be cemented to the filed-down tooth. And voila, you’ve got a strong, protected tooth again!

Smile Like Royalty

Dental crowns help you bite and chew better and protect teeth that have been damaged with cavities. A dental crown helps strengthen a compromised tooth and allows you to function without worrying about breaking or chipping. There are several materials used for these dental prosthetics and placing a crown is a common and safe procedure.Beyond your regular dental check-ups, it’s always a good idea to book an appointment if you feel tooth pain. Brittle teeth can be made strong again with dental crowns. And crowns cover up discoloured or disfigured teeth that may be affecting your confidence. You can smile big and bright when your damaged teeth are made whole again with dental crowns.