Dental crowns, sometimes called dental caps, are used to protect weak teeth, restore broken teeth, prevent cracked teeth from breaking further, and support teeth that have large fillings. Crowns are also used to hold dental bridges in place.
An Effective Solution
If teeth are badly damaged, cracked, broken, or misshapen, the dental professionals at Forest & Ray have found that dental crowns are the most effective solution. Tooth crowns restore the shape, strength, functionality, and appearance of a damaged tooth. After you have one placed, youโll be able to use your tooth to chew again without risking damage to whatโs underneath it. Crowns protect the vulnerable part of the tooth by physically holding it together and shielding it from damage.
What Are The Most Widely Used Types Of Crowns?
The main difference between different kinds of dental crowns is the internal structure used to make them.
- Metals used in crowns include gold, palladium, nickel, or chromium. Metal crowns rarely chip or break, last the longest in terms of wear down, and only require a small amount of tooth to be removed. They can also withstand biting and chewing forces. The metallic colour is the main drawback. Metal crowns are a good choice for out-of-sight molars.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal dental crowns can be matched to the colour of the teeth beside them. They have a more natural tooth colour. However, sometimes the metal under the crownโs porcelain cap shows through as a dark line. Other drawbacks are that the crownโs porcelain portion can chip or break off and there is more wearing down of the teeth opposite them in the mouth. (The top and bottom tooth that comes into contact when the mouth is closed.) These crowns can be a good choice for front or back teeth.
- All-ceramic or all-porcelain dental crowns provide the best natural colour match than any other crown type. They are also a good choice for people with metal allergies. However, they are not as strong as porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. They also may wear down the teeth opposite them in the mouth a little more than metal or resin crowns. All-ceramic crowns are a good choice for front teeth.
- Pressed ceramic crowns have a hard inner core. They replace the metal liner that is used in the all-ceramic crown-making process. Pressed ceramic crowns are capped with porcelain, which provides the best natural colour match. They are also more long-lasting than an all-porcelain crown.
- Zirconium Crowns consist of a zirconium oxide internal structure. They are more expensive but are an appealing alternative when crowning the very visible front teeth. We call it the โsmile zoneโ. Ask us is this could be an option for you.
How Much Do Dental Crowns Cost?
Costs will vary with the type of crown we choose to use but can start around ล635. If you are a candidate for several, you may want to ask us about our financing packages.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
On average, dental crowns last between five and 15 years but, if you take proper care of it, in many instances they can last a lifetime.. The life span of a crown depends on the amount of wear and tear the crown takes, how well you follow good oral hygiene practices, and your personal mouth-related habits. You should avoid such habits as grinding or clenching your teeth, chewing ice, biting fingernails, and using your teeth to open packaging.
What Now?
The best way to find out if you are a candidate for dental crowns and to learn about your options and the cost is to visit the Forest & Ray dental clinic which is conveniently located in the heart of London. ย Our dental professionals stand ready to attend to all your dental needs whether that be dental crowns or something else. Contact us today for an appointment!
