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Home Locate a Dentist Procedures Before and After Photos Articles Ask an Expert Blog December 4, 2008

Dental Crowns

A dental crown is a “cap” that is tooth-shaped, which is inserted over a tooth. It covers the tooth to restore the shape of the tooth, the size of the tooth, the appearance of the tooth or the strength of the tooth.

The crowns are cemented into place and fully cover the visible portion of the tooth.
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Dental Crowns
Dental crowns:
  • protect your weak tooth from further harm, such as breaking or further cracking and deterioration
  • refurbish an already broken tooth or a worn down tooth
  • assist a tooth that has a considerable filling
  • secure a dental bridge in place
  • cover up misshaped teeth
  • cover up extremely discolored teeth
What to expect?

Dental Crowns usually require at least two visits to your cosmetic dentists office. The initial visit involves the dentist probing and preparing the tooth and the second visit typically involves the placement of the permanent crown.

During the initial visit, your cosmetic dentist will most likely take some x-rays of your mouth to check the strength of your roots and the surrounding bone around the tooth. Your cosmetic dentist will then file down your tooth, to the chewing surface in order to make room for your dental crown. If a good amount of your tooth is missing, the dentist may actually use material to fill the area, to build up the tooth so it can support the crown. The amount of tooth removed is completely dependant on your specific scenario, along with the type of dental crown being used. The dentist will then make an impression of your teeth, which are then sent to a dental lab where your customized dental crown will be made. The crown usually is ready within 2 weeks. In the meantime, the dentist will insert a temporary dental crown, which will serve as the protection device until your permanent dental crown is ready.

During your second visit, to your cosmetic dentist, he/she will remove your temporary dental crown, and verify the color and fit of your permanent dental crown. When everything is completed, your cosmetic dentist will permanently cement your new dental crown in.

What are the different types of dental crowns?

- Metals used in dental crowns include gold alloy or a base-metal alloy such as nickel or chromium. In comparison with other crown types less tooth structure has to be removed which makes this a very big added benefit for you. They are the most durable out of all the dental crown types, and rarely chip or break. The biggest negative of this type of dental crown is the metallic color. They are ideal for molars in the back of your mouth, that are not visible.

- Porcelain-fused-to-metal dental crowns are not as durable as the metal dental crowns, however, they can be matched, color wise, to your teeth which is an added benefit. The dental crown's porcelain portion can chip or break off. These crowns can be a good choice for front or back teeth.

- All-ceramic or all-porcelain dental crowns give you the best possible match for tooth color. They are, however, not very durable and they wear down opposing teeth a little more than the other crowns. All-ceramic dental crowns are a good choice for front teeth

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