Dental crowns are a common dental treatment which a high percentage of the population may need at some point in their life. There are many reasons why you may need a dental crown and it’s important to understand what is a dental crown and the way in which dental crowns can support you in a variety of situations. Let’s take a look at why you might need a crown dental treatment and how our team can support you with this dental treatment.
What are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap which is placed over a damaged or weakened tooth. This allows a dentist to restore the shape, size, appearance, and shape of a tooth when the original tooth is no longer in good enough condition to perform its necessary role. Crowns fully encase the visible portion of the tooth above your gum line. They can be made from a variety of materials, including porcelain, ceramic, or metal. Not only do they serve as a protective covering, but they will also reinforce the tooth’s structure and improve its aesthetic appeal. A dental crown will often be used alongside another dental treatment and our team will recommend any other treatments that you may need.
Why Do You Need Dental Crowns?
Now that you know the answer to the question of what is a dental crown, you might be wondering what situations would require you to need one to be fitted. One of the most common uses for dental crowns is to restore a severely decayed tooth. If a tooth has extensive decay, a filling may not be enough to repair the tooth. Instead, a crown will act as a durable solution to encase the weakened tooth and prevent further damage and decay. Another reason to invest in a crown is to protect a weak or fractured tooth. This could be after trauma, a large filling, or repeated dental procedures where the tooth is more prone to fractures. The crown will add extra support and stop further cracking or breaking.
Dental implants, which replace missing teeth, require a crown to serve as the visible part of the restoration. Crowns are also used to support dental bridges, which replace missing teeth by putting an artificial tooth between two natural teeth. Root canal treatment also usually results in the need for a dental crown as the tooth is too brittle to be left uncovered. The crown acts as reinforcement for the treated tooth and protects it from long-term damage. Finally, some people opt to invest in crowns to improve the aesthetic appeal of their teeth. If you have discoloured or uneven teeth, dental crowns in Manchester can boost your confidence and improve your smile.
Types of Dental Crowns
As we mentioned earlier, there are various material options when it comes to using dental crowns. Our team can help to recommend the best option for your unique needs. Porcelain and ceramic crown dental treatments are very popular thanks to their natural appearance. They are great for front teeth replacements or anyone who suffers from metal allergies. Metal crowns are usually made from gold, palladium, or base-metal alloys. They are very durable and resistant to wear, but are best suited for molars that need protection from chewing.
One newer option which is quite popular are porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns. They give you the strength of metal crowns but have the appearance of porcelain crowns. Keep in mind that the metal may appear over time near the gum line, which may lead to replacement. Zirconia crowns offer an extremely strong crown with a natural appearance. For those working on a tighter budget, consider resin dental crowns. They are cheaper than some of the other options but are not typically as durable.
Caring for Your Dental Crown
When it comes to the question of how long should my dental crown last, this is all down to how well you care for your crown and the material you choose. Dental crowns can last for many years if you maintain good oral hygiene. Make sure you brush your teeth daily and floss around the crown to avoid plaque build-up. Avoid hard foods or sticky foods, as these can crack your crown or dislodge it. If you are someone who grinds your teeth at night, consider wearing a mouthguard to protect the crown from wear and tear. Finally, make sure you are booking regular dental check-ups so that your dentist can monitor the crown’s condition.
Dental crowns play a crucial role in restorative and cosmetic dentistry. They help to preserve the function and appearance of your teeth. Contact us today for more information about dental crowns or to discuss any questions you have about whether this is a treatment that could benefit your current dental concerns.