Dental Crowns: Restoring the Strength, Shape, and Appearance of Your Teeth
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped "cap" placed over a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its size, shape, strength, or appearance. When securely cemented in place, a crown fully encases the visible portion of the tooth above the gum line, providing protection and support. Crowns are commonly used in various dental situations to address a range of issues:
When Might You Need a Dental Crown?
- To Protect a Weakened Tooth - A crown can protect a tooth that has been weakened by decay or after a root canal treatment, preventing it from breaking or suffering further damage.
- To Restore a Broken or Worn-Down Tooth - Crowns are ideal for rebuilding teeth that have been significantly damaged, cracked, or worn down over time, helping to restore their original size and strength.
- To Support a Large Filling - If a large filling is required and there isn't enough healthy tooth structure left, a crown can securely hold the filling in place, providing long-lasting support.
- To Anchor a Dental Bridge - Crowns are used to support and stabilise dental bridges, restoring missing teeth by attaching the bridge to the surrounding healthy teeth.
- To Cover Discoloured or Misshapen Teeth Crowns can improve the appearance of teeth that are discoloured, misshapen, or unattractive, offering a more aesthetically pleasing result.
- To Cover a Dental Implant - After a dental implant is placed, a crown is used to complete the restoration, providing a natural-looking solution that mimics the appearance of your original tooth.
Types of Dental Crowns
There are several types of crowns, each with its own unique advantages and considerations. Choosing the right type depends on factors such as the tooth’s location, aesthetic preferences, and functional requirements.
- Porcelain Bonded to Metal Crowns - These crowns feature a strong metal base with a layer of porcelain fused to the surface. While durable and ideal for areas with heavy biting forces, they may show a dark line at the gumline, especially if the gums recede. The porcelain does not reflect light as naturally as all-ceramic crowns, which can affect their overall aesthetic appearance.
- Gold Crowns - Renowned for their strength and durability, gold crowns require minimal removal of healthy tooth structure and cause little wear to opposing teeth. They last for many years without chipping or breaking, though their metallic colour makes them more suited to back teeth where appearance is less of a concern.
- All Ceramic Crowns - These crowns are highly valued for their aesthetic qualities. Made entirely from ceramic, they reflect light like natural teeth and are free of metal, eliminating the risk of a dark line at the gumline. All ceramic crowns are ideal for front teeth and provide a lifelike appearance, though they may not be as durable as metal-based crowns in areas subjected to heavy chewing forces.
Choosing the Right Crown for You
The choice of crown depends on various factors, including the location of the tooth, the desired aesthetic outcome, and the functional requirements of the restoration. Your dentist will work with you to determine the best option for your specific needs, ensuring a strong, durable, and aesthetic result.