A dental crown, or cap, is prosthetic device which is designed to be placed over a damaged tooth. Crowns have the ability to give the natural tooth added strength, restoring the function of the tooth, and improving its appearance. Unlike removable devices, which require daily removal for cleaning, crowns and bridges are cemented in placed. They are secured to an existing tooth or implant and can only be removed by a dental professional.
The teeth can be damaged from an unexpected accident or slowly over time. Crowns are used to cover or cap the damaged tooth. The crown not only helps to add strength to the damaged tooth, but can also be used to enhance the tooth’s appearance, shape or correct its alignment. When the patient does not have a tooth, the crown can also be placed over an implant. Ceramic and porcelain crowns closely match the color of the existing teeth. It is virtually impossible to tell a crown apart from the natural teeth. Some of the other types of materials which can be used are gold or metal alloys, ceramic, and acrylic. These materials are stronger than porcelain and are often recommended for crowns placed in the back of the mouth. Porcelain bonded to a metal shell is a common practice as the crown is both aesthetically pleasing and quite durable.
Crowns are commonly used in the following situations: attaching a bridge, concealing cosmetic issues, covering dental implants, protecting weak teeth and preventing breakage, replacing large fillings which lack sufficient tooth surface, restoring fractured teeth, and root canal treatments.
When patients are missing one or more teeth, the dentist may recommend the use of a bridge. Gaps from a missing tooth can cause the rotation and shifting of the adjacent teeth into the empty space. In some cases, this shifting of the teeth can cause misalignment or a bad bite. Missing teeth can also cause an imbalance and result in issues such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and gum disease.
Bridges span the area of the missing teeth and are cemented to the natural teeth or implants adjacent to the gap. The teeth or abutments, serve as an anchor for the bridge. The replacement tooth or pontic, is then connected to the crowns which cover the abutments. Various materials can be used to create a bridge, similar to the materials used for a crown. Dentist will help determine the ideal material based on factors such as the location, patient’s needs, appearance, and cost. Bridges are often made from porcelain and ceramic which can closely match the natural color of the natural teeth.
Before placing a bridge or crown, the dentist will grind down the natural tooth. This is necessary in order for the crown or bridge to properly fit over the natural tooth. Once the dentist has prepared the tooth, they will obtain an impression. This is taken in order to create a mold for the prosthetic device. The dentist will also determine the correct shade to use which will match the existing teeth.
Dental labs use the impression to create the final crown. Temporary crowns are often used while the permanent crown is being created. Once the permanent crown is ready, the dentist will remove the temporary device, and cement the crown into place. Patients should avoid eating sticky, hard foods, and chewing on ice or hard objects in order to protect the crown.