Dental crowns cover and encapsulate a damaged tooth, returning its shape, size, strength, and appearance. They also protect it from further harm and distribute the forces of biting and chewing.
However, the longevity of a dental crown can vary depending on its location and the type of material used. The most durable crowns are those made of porcelain and ceramic.
Durability
Dental crowns New Iberia LA encase and protect injured or weakened teeth to restore their shape, size, strength, and appearance. They are often recommended after root canal treatment and to repair molars with deep decay.
They can also be used to repair broken teeth and as part of a dental bridge to replace one or more missing teeth. The process typically involves preparing the tooth, taking impressions, and placing a temporary crown until the permanent one is ready.
The crown is fabricated in a laboratory from one of several materials, including porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal, all-porcelain, all-metal, or zirconia. The type of crown selected depends on the location in the mouth, the function, and aesthetic considerations. For example, molar crowns endure more wear than front teeth, so they are usually made of stronger material. The dentist will check the fit and color before cementing or bonding it in place. Proper oral hygiene practices and regular visits to the dentist can prolong the life of a crown.
Aesthetics
Dental crowns New Iberia LA are thin covers that we place over damaged or weakened teeth. They restore the original tooth’s shape, size, strength, and appearance and also help protect it from further damage. They can also support a bridge to replace missing teeth by holding the replacement teeth in place.
The first step in getting a crown is to prepare the tooth by shaping it and removing any decayed areas. We then take impressions of the prepared tooth and the surrounding teeth to create a model of what your new crown will look like. We may place a temporary crown on the prepared tooth to protect it while we wait for the lab to finish crafting your permanent crown.
Most dental crowns are made from ceramic or porcelain and can be color-matched to match the rest of your smile. However, there are other types of crowns including those made from gold or a high-quality zirconia. The longevity of your dental crowns depends on how well you maintain them. This means avoiding habits that can damage them, and scheduling regular dental checkups to ensure they are in good condition.
Function
Dental crowns work by covering and encasing a damaged tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. They can also prevent the tooth from further damage or decay. The process begins with evaluation and diagnosis of the tooth, including x-rays to assess the extent of damage or decay. The dentist then prepares the tooth by shaping it and, in some cases, removing the damaged areas to make room for the crown. A temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth while the permanent crown is fabricated in a dental laboratory.
The dental crown is a porcelain cap that fits over the damaged tooth to improve its appearance and restore its function. Its durability and longevity depends on the patient’s oral hygiene habits, regular check-ups, and reporting of any problems promptly. Crowns are also used to support dental bridges, which replace missing teeth by connecting two or more adjacent teeth in a row. Crowns are made of different materials, depending on the tooth’s condition and the budget of the patient.
Maintenance
When a tooth is damaged or weakened beyond the ability to heal with fillings, our dentists recommend a crown to cover the tooth and restore its shape, strength and appearance. A traditional dental crown encases the entire visible portion of a tooth above the gum line and is typically made from materials like ceramic or porcelain.
While the lifespan of a crown depends on the type of crown and individual oral hygiene practices, it can be expected to last between 10 and 20 years or more. The longevity of a crown can also be affected by habits such as teeth grinding (bruxism) or chewing on hard objects, and diets high in acidic foods. Regular dental checkups with our dentistry can help detect issues that may impact the durability of a crown and allow for timely repairs. If you are in need of a dental crown, call our office today to schedule an appointment! We look forward to seeing you soon.
