A dental crown serves as a cap that is placed over a tooth to restore its original shape, size, strength, and overall appearance. It is commonly utilized to cover teeth that are decayed, broken, weak, or worn down, providing protection and reinforcement. Additionally, crowns can be used to cover dental implants and teeth that have undergone root canal treatment.
Crafted from a range of materials such as metal, resin, and porcelain, dental crowns typically have a lifespan of five to fifteen years when properly cared for. These crowns are custom-made at St. Pete dental crowns to fit snugly over the entire tooth, resembling a hat.
To ensure a precise fit, a dentist at St. Pete dental crowns will need to remove a small amount of enamel before securely bonding the new crown in place. Skilled dental technicians are responsible for creating crowns from various materials, ensuring durability and aesthetic appeal.
When would you need a dental crown?
- Strengthen the resilience of a delicate tooth to improve longevity and functionality.
- Protect and fortify a broken tooth to ensure long-term stability and strength.
- Revitalize a deteriorating or impaired tooth to promote overall oral health and function.
- Ensure a secure and stable foundation for a dental bridge to support proper dental alignment and function.
- Camouflage a noticeably discolored or stained tooth to enhance overall aesthetic appearance and confidence.
- Safeguard a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment to maintain structural integrity and prevent future damage.
- Conceal a dental implant to seamlessly blend with natural teeth for a harmonious and authentic smile.
Types of dental crowns
Zirconia crowns are made from a strong and durable material called zirconia, which is known for its biocompatibility and resistance to wear and fracture. These crowns are highly aesthetic, as they can be customized to match the color and translucency of natural teeth. Zirconia crowns are also less likely to cause wear on opposing teeth compared to PFM and pressed ceramic crowns. They are a popular choice for both front and back teeth due to their strength and natural appearance.
All-ceramic crowns are made entirely of ceramic material, offering the most natural and lifelike appearance. They are highly biocompatible and do not cause wear on opposing teeth. All-ceramic crowns are suitable for front teeth due to their aesthetic appeal, but they may not be as durable as metal or zirconia crowns, making them less suitable for back teeth that endure more pressure from biting and chewing.
Resin crowns are the most affordable option and are typically used as temporary crowns while waiting for a permanent crown to be made. They are not as durable as other types of crowns and may wear down or break more easily. Resin crowns are not as aesthetically pleasing as other options and are usually only used as a temporary solution.
Metal Crowns
Dental professionals utilize a variety of metals to create dental crowns, such as gold, palladium, nickel, and chromium. Metal crowns are known for their durability, resistance to chipping and breaking, and long-lasting wear. They also require minimal enamel removal and can withstand the forces of biting and chewing. However, the metallic color of these crowns is a notable disadvantage, making them more suitable for molars that are not visible.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns offer a combination of the strength of metal and the natural appearance of porcelain. Dentists are able to match these crowns to the color of a patient’s natural teeth. Despite their durability, PFM crowns have their drawbacks, such as the potential for the porcelain coating to chip over time, revealing the metal underneath. Additionally, these crowns may cause gradual wear on the enamel of opposing teeth. PFM crowns are suitable for both front and back teeth and have a lifespan comparable to metal crowns.
Pressed ceramic crowns feature a hard ceramic inner core, similar to PFM crowns, but without the metal core. The process of creating the inner core involves melting and pressing ceramic at high temperatures, followed by the addition of multiple layers of porcelain. These crowns mimic the natural translucency of tooth enamel. However, like PFM crowns, the layers of ceramic in pressed ceramic crowns can chip away over time. These crowns are used for both front and back teeth, offering a natural appearance and durability.
