Dental Crowns: A Durable Solution to Restore Your Smile
When it comes to maintaining a healthy and beautiful smile, dental crowns play a vital role in restorative dentistry. Dental crowns, also known as caps, are custom-made prosthetic devices designed to cover and protect damaged or weakened teeth. These crowns not only improve the appearance of your smile but also enhance the functionality of your teeth. In this blog, we will explore the purpose, benefits, types, and the procedure involved in getting dental crowns.
Purpose of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns serve multiple purposes, with the primary one being to protect and strengthen a compromised tooth. Whether a tooth is fractured, decayed, or weakened due to a root canal treatment, a crown acts as a durable shield, preventing further damage and potential tooth loss. Additionally, dental crowns are used to restore misshapen or severely discolored teeth, significantly enhancing the aesthetics of your smile.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
Enhanced Protection: Dental crowns provide an additional layer of protection, safeguarding weak teeth from external factors and reducing the risk of fractures.
Natural Appearance: Modern dental crowns are crafted from high-quality materials like porcelain, ceramic, or zirconia, which mimic the appearance of natural teeth. This ensures that your smile looks both natural and aesthetically pleasing.
Improved Functionality: With a dental crown in place, your ability to chew and speak properly is restored, allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods without discomfort.
Longevity: When cared for properly, dental crowns can last for many years, making them a cost-effective and durable solution for dental restoration.
Types of Dental Crowns
Porcelain Crowns: These crowns are popular for their natural appearance and are an excellent choice for restoring front teeth.
Ceramic Crowns: Similar to porcelain crowns, ceramic crowns are known for their aesthetic appeal and are often used for front teeth restorations.
Zirconia Crowns: Zirconia crowns are exceptionally durable and can withstand considerable biting forces, making them suitable for molars and back teeth restorations.
Metal Crowns: These crowns, made from alloys like gold or silver, are incredibly strong and are commonly used for molars where aesthetics are less of a concern.
The Dental Crown Procedure
Getting a dental crown typically involves two visits to the dentist.
First Visit:
a. Examination and Preparation: The dentist examines the affected tooth and takes X-rays to assess the extent of damage. If the tooth requires a crown, the dentist will numb the area and prepare the tooth by removing any decay or old filling material.
b. Impression: After tooth preparation, the dentist will take an impression of the tooth, which will serve as a model for creating the custom crown.
c. Temporary Crown: While the permanent crown is being fabricated in a dental laboratory, a temporary crown is placed over the prepared tooth to protect it.
Second Visit:
a. Crown Fitting: The temporary crown is removed, and the dentist fits the permanent crown onto the tooth to check for proper fit and alignment.
b. Cementation: Once the fit is confirmed, the dental crown is permanently cemented onto the tooth using dental adhesives.
Caring for Dental Crowns
To ensure the longevity of your dental crown, it is essential to maintain good oral hygiene practices. Brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly, and schedule routine dental check-ups and cleanings. Avoid biting on hard objects or using your teeth to open packages, as excessive force can damage the crown.
Conclusion
Dental crowns are a remarkable solution for restoring the appearance and functionality of damaged teeth. Whether you need to protect a weakened tooth or improve the aesthetics of your smile, dental crowns offer a durable and aesthetically pleasing option. If you have a damaged tooth or are unhappy with the appearance of your smile, consult your dentist to explore whether dental crowns are the right solution for you. With proper care, these crowns can provide you with a confident and radiant smile for years to come. If you have any questions or concerns and are around the Hinsdale area, please feel free to give us a call! 630-323-0060 or email us at office@saltcreekfamilydental.com