What is a crown?

A crown is an artificial restoration that fits over the remaining function of a prepared tooth, making it strong and giving it the shape of a natural tooth. A crown is sometimes known as a 'cap'.

Why would I demand a crown?

Crowns are an ideal fashion to repair teeth that accept been broken, or have been weakened by molar decay or a very large filling. A crown could be used for a number of other reasons, for example:

  • You lot may have a discoloured filling and would like to better the appearance of the tooth.
  • You may have had a root filling and need a crown to protect what is left of the tooth.
  • It may help to hold a bridge or denture firmly in place.

What is a crown made of?

Crowns can be made of a diversity of different materials and new materials are continually being introduced. Some of the nigh popular options are listed below.

Porcelain bonded to precious metal:

This is what most crowns are made from. A precious metal base is made and and so porcelain is applied in layers over it.

Porcelain

These crowns are fabricated entirely out of porcelain and are not as strong equally bonded crowns. Merely they tin can await very natural and are well-nigh ofttimes used for front teeth.

All-ceramic

This modern technique offers a metal-gratuitous alternative, which can give the forcefulness of a bonded crown and the appearance of a porcelain crown. Therefore it is suitable for use in all areas of the mouth.

Glass

These crowns look very natural and tin can be used anywhere in the oral fissure.

Gold-alloy crowns

Aureate is one of the oldest filling materials. Today it is used with other metal alloys to increase its forcefulness, which makes information technology very hardwearing. These crowns are silver or gilt in colour.

How is a crown prepared?

The dentist will prepare the tooth to the ideal shape for the crown. This will involve removing a layer of the outer surface, leaving a strong inner core. The corporeality of the tooth removed volition be the same as the thickness of the crown.

Once the molar is shaped, the dental team will have an impression (mould) of the prepared molar, ane of the reverse jaw and possibly another to show the fashion you bite together.

The impressions will and then exist given to a dental technician, along with data most the shade to use and any other data they need.

What is a mail crown?

In root-filled teeth it may exist necessary to insert a post into the tooth root earlier placing a crown. A post gives support and helps the crown to stay in identify. The surface of the molar may exist removed down to the level of the gum.

A mail can be fabricated of prefabricated stainless steel which the dentist tin can fit direct into the root canal. Or a custom-fabricated post tin be constructed by a dental technician to accurately fit the shape of the prepared root canal. The post is placed into the root culvert and cemented in position, prepare for the crown to exist attached.

Are there any alternatives to postal service crowns for root-filled teeth?

If a root-filled tooth is not completely cleaved down, it may be possible for your dentist to build it upwardly again using filling textile. This 'core' is so prepared in the same way as a natural tooth and the impressions are taken.

What will happen between visits?

A temporary crown volition be made and then that y'all tin employ the tooth while you lot wait for the crown to be fabricated. This crown may be more noticeable but is only temporary.

How is the crown fitted?

When y'all and your dentist are happy with the fit and appearance of the new crown, it volition exist stock-still in place with special dental cement or adhesive. The cement forms a seal to hold the crown in identify.

How long does the treatment take?

Y'all will need to have at least ii visits. At the first visit, your dental squad volition set the molar, take the impressions, make a annotation of the shade of your tooth, and fit the temporary crown. At the 2d visit, your dentist volition fit the permanent crown. In that location will usually be virtually 1 to 2 weeks between appointments.

Does it hurt to accept a tooth prepared for a crown?

No. You will have a local anaesthetic and the preparation work should experience no different from a filling. If the tooth does not have a nerve, and a post crown is existence prepared, then you may not need a local anaesthetic.

Will the crown exist noticeable?

The crown will be made to match your other teeth as closely as possible. The shade of the surrounding teeth will be recorded, to brand sure that the color looks natural and matches those teeth.

Volition the crown feel dissimilar?

Because the shape of the crown will be slightly unlike from the shape of your tooth before it was crowned, you lot may be aware of it at starting time. Within a few days it should feel fine, and you volition not notice it. The crown may demand some adjustment if your bite does not feel comfortable, and if this is the example, you should enquire your dentist to check and adapt it.

What will it cost?

Costs will vary according to the type of crown and the material used. E'er get a written guess and treatment plan earlier starting whatsoever dental treatment.

How do I care for my crown?

It is important to proceed the crown only equally clean equally you would your natural teeth. The crown itself cannot decay, but decay can beginning where the edge of the crown joins the tooth. Brush last affair at nighttime and at least 1 other time during the day with a fluoride toothpaste, and clean in betwixt your teeth with 'interdental' brushes or floss.

How long will the crown last?

How long your crown lasts depends on how well y'all look subsequently it. Properly cared for crowns should concluding for many years. Your dental squad will be able to tell you how long your crown may be expected to last.

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