Crowns

Overview

Dental crowns are used to change a tooth?s shape, size, or strength. It completely covers the visible portion of your tooth or dental implant. After being installed, it can only be removed by a dentist or professional.

Dental crowns have a lifespan of 5 to 15 years, if proper care and good oral hygiene is ensured.

Crowns will be prescribed by your Dentist to:

Protect, restore and stabilize damaged, broken, decayed or unhealthy teeth
Provide structural support for your teeth or dental bridge after an invasive procedure, like root canal treatment
Cover an existing dental implant
Improve your smile by covering cracks, chips or discolorations

Crown Types

There are 3 types of crowns and your doctor will recommend the best one for you depending on your chewing placement or your tooth structure. Here are the main crown types:

1. Full-Metal
   Metal crowns are recommended when biting and chewing is particularly powerful. They are the sturdiest crowns and rarely break. They also require minimal removal of existing tooth structure. Metal crowns can be made of noble metals, like gold or silver. These crowns offer biocompatibility, however they are expensive. Noble metal crowns don’t cause allergic reactions and are recommended to more sensitive patients.
2. Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal
   Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns combine the strength and durability of metal with the elegant aspect of porcelain. These crowns require the removal of more natural tooth structure, and can cause more discomfort to patients.
3. Porcelain Crowns
   Porcelain is one of the most popular materials for dental crowns. They are made from high quality synthetic porcelain and are ideal for patients who want the best smile.

The patient experience

Your doctor will firstly assess your teeth, gums and supporting bone structure. After discussing possible treatment options, he or she will apply a local anesthetic, depending on the crown:

• CEREC? CAD/CAM: these crowns are created in our office, on the spot; this means that in just one office visit, you will have a fully functional porcelain crown. There’s no need for a second visit.
• Lava?: these porcelain crowns are noted for their natural translucency. During your first visit, your doctor will install a temporary crown. During your second visit, the new crown will be installed.
• Metal or Porcelain-Metal Crowns
  Initially, your existing teeth are prepared for the new crown. After this procedure, a viscous material is used to take an impression of your teeth. The new metal crown will be produced after this impression. In the mean time, you will be fitted with a temporary crown to protect your gums. During your second visit, you will receive the final metal or porcelain-metal crown.