Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are one of the most versatile dental restorations. They can be used for various restorative and cosmetic dental purposes, as they offer excellent features. In recent times, crowns are made from dental-grade tooth-colored ceramic material. But, a few years ago, they were made from metals, such as gold, silver, amalgam, etc.

What are the advantages of crowns?

• Crowns are made from highly durable material, which ensures they last for many years without any hassle
• Crowns cover a tooth entirely, thus ensuring it is protected from any form of damage
• They can be personalized as required, thanks to the excellent customizability of dental-grade ceramic
• They are quite simple restorations, which can be completed in a couple of visits to the dentist’s practice
• They perfectly match the appearance of the adjoining teeth, keeping them under disguise.

What treatment procedures are crowns used for?

Crowns can be used in the treatment of the following oral conditions:

• Worn out teeth:Bruxism or night-time teeth grinding is an oral condition that leads to excessive teeth wear. Also, subconscious jaw clenching can cause wear of the teeth. Crowns can be used to restore such teeth to their ideal contour.
• Chipped or misshapen teeth:Chipped or naturally out-of-shape teeth can make your smile appear displeasing. Although they can be treated by composite bonding, getting a crown to cover the tooth would be a more long-lasting solution.
• Broken or cracked teeth:Teeth that have sustained damage in the form of fractures or cracks can cause severe pain. If left unrestored, the tooth may have to be extracted due to excess damage. Placing a crown on such teeth helps to restore them to their appropriate functional and structural state.
• Weak teeth:Teeth that are extremely weak, after undergoing dental procedures like root canal therapy, could crack or crumble under high forces. This is due to the lack of nourishment to the teeth. A crown can be used to hold it intact and prevent damage.

How are crowns fabricated?

A thin layer of enamel would be removed by buffing the tooth to make space for the crown. Next, we will take x-rays and scans of the mouth to serve as a reference for fabricating the crown. The digital impression created from this data will be sent to a dental laboratory, where it will be fabricated from dental-grade ceramic. It could take a couple of weeks for the restoration to be ready, until which we may bond a temporary crown on the prepared tooth to protect its surface.

We will take off the temporary crown during the next consultation and clean the teeth surface before bonding the crown. The crown would be placed on the tooth and checked for perfect fit and comfort. Once its contour is confirmed, it will be bonded to the tooth using dental adhesives and hardened using a suitable curing light. A bite test would be taken, and the crown will be buffed/polished to enhance its appearance.

Please reach us by scheduling an online consultation or calling us at (801) 274-3889, and we’ll guide you further.