Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are custom-made tooth-like caps that cover a tooth (to restore its shape, size, strength, and improve the appearance) or a dental implant. When crowns are cemented in the tooth, they completely cover the entire portion of the tooth that lies at and above the gum line. If your teeth are in great condition in general, but you are not happy with the color of it as well as some minor issues in shape and size, Laminate Veneers might be a better solution for you.

When dental crowns are needed?

There are some main purposes of a crown such as; restoring strength, functionality, shape/size of the tooth as well as improving it's appearance

To protect a tooth that is weak because of decays, severe cracks and chips by holding it together and preventing from further damages
To restore a broken tooth
To restore length of a worn down teeth (from grinding)
To hold dental bridges in place
To cover a dental implant
To close gaps between teeth as well as reshaping and rotating teeth
To cover and support a tooth that has a large filling
To cover discolored teeth

Types of Crowns

Crowns are made from a variety of different materials and each has its benefits and potential concerns.

Zirconium Crown

Zirconium crowns are made from zirconium dioxide; a perdurable material that is related to titanium which is tissue friendly and can be used for patients who are allergic to metals

Advantages of Zirconium

The hardest and strongest type of crown available which are long-wearing and withstand chewing and biting forces exceptionally well
It can be matched to the color of existing tooth
It is biocompatible, meaning it doesn't cause reactions when cemented into the human body
Ideal at covering signs of severe damage and discoloration
It doesn't require as much removal of the natural tooth, meaning there is much more preservation of a healthy tooth.

Empress Crown

Is a type of tooth-colored crown that blends in seamlessly with your smile. It is made through a two-layer system in a dental laboratory. The inner part is made of ceramic and superficial glass is layered over the top. Since it has a perfect level of light transmittance, it is possible to have significant natural results.

Where is applied?

Are mostly used for aesthetic purposes. Therefore it is preferred in the front teeth. However, it is not recommended in the molars since the biting force of those teeth is a lot harder than the front. Zirconium crowns are more appropriate for molars.

Advantages

High light transmittance, which provides a natural anesthetic smile
Low thermal conductivity results in less sensitivity to hot and cold
Ideal for people with metal allergies
Shades match the other existing teeth

The Process Of Getting A Crown

1-Examining And Preparing The Tooth

Firstly, the dentist will start with a dental examination to check the condition of your tooth to see if it is a good candidate for a crown. If the tooth is broken, damaged or decayed, the dentist will remove the damaged areas so the tooth is ready for a crown. Then necessary shaving will be done slightly so that the crown can slip down over your natural tooth.

2-Impression And Temporary Crown

The dentist will take an impression of your teeth and send it to the lab to manufacture your custom-made crown. Then a temporary crown will be cemented which will be easily removed when the patient returns to have the custom-made crown placed.

3-Permanent Fitting

When your dental crown is ready, you will return to the dentist to remove the temporary crown and replace it with a permanent crown. Then necessary adjustments will be made to ensure your comfort.