Dental crowns protect and restore natural teeth that have suffered too much damage for a filling. Dentists also use them cosmetically to create an aesthetically pleasing smile. They fit like caps over prepared teeth, maintaining excellent chewing function.
Today, patients have multiple options for crown materials. Each material has advantages and ideal uses. This blog explores the different materials dentists use to create crowns and provides a guide to their uses and installation.
Material Choices for Dental Crowns
CEREC Same-Day Crowns
Ceramic CEREC® MC XL crowns have become popular due to their quick installation process, strength, and attractive appearance. Receiving a CEREC crown takes only one appointment. Milled in your dentist's office by a sophisticated CAD/CAM machine, CEREC crowns can be made from lithium disilicate or zirconia tooth colored materials. Alternatively, we can send a digital scan to the dental laboratory to manufacture a crown from these same materials.
Porcelain
Layered porcelain creates beautiful crowns with the shine and luster of healthy tooth enamel. These crowns are strong and naturally stain-resistant, but they may chip if they receive a great deal of chewing pressure. For this reason, dentists typically use layered porcelain crowns in the front of the mouth where appearance is the most important.
Metal Alloys
Other options include base metal, gold alloy, and porcelain over metal crowns. These are helpful for molars and patients who regularly grind their teeth.
Advantages of Dental Crowns
- Excellent chewing ability
- Natural look and feel
- Protect the tooth's natural root system, preserving jawbone health
- Quick installation process: only one day for CEREC crowns
- Long-lasting
The Dental Crown Procedure
Your dentist numbs your teeth and gums to prevent discomfort. Next, they prepare the damaged tooth by removing decayed or broken areas. This process creates a smooth surface to which the crown will be attached later.
The next step in creating a dental crown is taking digital impressions using an intraoral scanner. The dentist can fine-tune the crown's shape to fit your needs and select from various materials and treatment steps to create the best results.
If you receive a lab fabricated crown, you will return for another appointment when it arrives from the laboratory. In the meantime, your dentist will protect your prepared tooth with a temporary crown.
Installing either crown type is quick and easy. The dentist checks the crown for proper fit and a comfortable bite, making adjustments as needed. When the crown feels natural, the dentist cements it in place.
Tips for Keeping Your Crown Strong
On average, dental crowns last 10 to 15 years. With excellent care, they could last decades. You can take these proactive steps to lengthen your crown's useful life and prevent breakage:
- Brush and floss as you would with a healthy natural tooth, paying close attention to the area around the gum line and removing all food debris
- Avoid chewing sticky foods like caramel and taffy with your crowned tooth to keep it from being dislodged
- If you grind your teeth, ask your dentist about receiving a mouthguard to wear at night
- Do not use your teeth as tools or chew any non-food objects like fingernails and ice
Creating a Strong, Healthy Smile
Dental crowns repair teeth that may otherwise need extraction, saving the natural root system and protecting oral health. If you have a damaged tooth or have undergone a root canal, ask your dentist whether a crown would be appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Crowns
What happens if my crown falls out?
If your crown becomes dislodged, save it and call us as soon as possible. We can replace the crown on your prepared tooth.
Our team at Suwanee Family Dentistry can create a beautiful, functional crown to repair your damaged or decayed tooth. We look forward to meeting you and showing you the advantages of receiving a dental crown. To learn more about CEREC and other crown options, please contact our office today.