Damaged teeth are a severe problem for many people, affecting their dental health and self-esteem. Chipped teeth, whether from accidents, decay, or cavities, can lead to various painful sensations that make simple activities such as speaking or eating difficult. Furthermore, in certain circumstances, a damaged tooth increases the likelihood of additional complications, including infection and tooth loss. Fortunately, dental crowns are an ideal treatment option to protect and preserve damaged teeth while restoring a beautiful, confident smile. That’s why it’s essential to seek the help of the best crowns and bridges specialist to restore the functionality and health of your damaged teeth.
Dental Crowns; What Are They?
Teeth deteriorate over time. Several reasons exist, such as tooth decay, trauma, or use over time. As a result, the shape and size of your teeth may change. Dental crowns are tooth-shaped “caps” placed over the natural tooth. Think of them as a permanent cap for your teeth. The dental crown restores the tooth’s strength, shape, size, and appearance. Dentists bond the dental crown to the tooth to cover the exposed part of the tooth.
Who Needs A Dental Crown?
Dental crowns may be necessary for various reasons, for example:
- They can provide support for a dental bridge.
- Preventing a weak tooth from breaking or preserving a fractured tooth
- The restoration of a cracked or severely damaged tooth.
- They can act as fillings that cover and support the tooth without a large surface area.
- They are a solution for covering crooked and discolored teeth.
- You can consider them to cover your dental implants.
- They also apply for covering teeth fixed with a root canal.
Are Dental Crowns A Long-Term Solution For Damaged Teeth?
Dental crowns usually last between five and fifteen years. The degree to which crowns deteriorate depends on how well you maintain oral hygiene, and your mouth-related habits can also affect the life of crowns. Examples of mouth-related behaviors include:
- Tearing open packages with your teeth
- Clenching and grinding your teeth.
- Biting on the fingernails.
- Chewing ice
Do You Need Additional Care For Your Crowned Tooth?
Crowned teeth do not require any special treatment. However, you must protect the tooth from gum disease and decay. Therefore, you should pay attention to good dental care. So brush your teeth twice a day and floss once daily, especially around the crown where the gum touches the tooth. Avoid breaking the porcelain by not biting hard surfaces with porcelain crowns, for example, when eating popcorn or ice cream. This dentist in Naples also highly recommends visiting a dental expert regularly so they can check the condition of your dental crown.
What Are 3/4 Crowns And Onlays?
You can have different types of crowns on your tooth. 3/4 crowns and onlays do not encase a large portion of the inside of your tooth, as traditional dental crowns do. Conventional crowns, on the other hand, encase your teeth entirely. If you have a strong tooth structure, 3/4 crowns and onlays are ideal. Unlike full crown encasement, it is considered a more careful procedure. The dentist removes the damaged area during the procedure and reshapes the tooth to accommodate the crown.
Dental Crowns Materials
Permanent dental crowns are of various materials. The materials may include the following:
- Metals
Palladium, gold, chrome, and nickel are some of the metals technicians use to make dental crowns. Ideally, metal crowns are the least prone to cracking or chipping, last the longest, and require minimal removal. They are also resistant to chewing and biting pressure. They are an excellent solution for molars that are not visible.
- Porcelain Connected To Metal
Your dental crown is customizable to match the color of the teeth next to your crown. You will have a more natural-looking tooth color. The front and back teeth can benefit from porcelain dental crowns combined with metal.
- Pure synthetic Resin
Dental crowns of resin material are often less expensive than other crowns. Your dentist can match them to the appearance of your adjacent teeth. They are also lightweight and durable, and their procedure takes less time.
- Full Porcelain/Full Ceramic Crowns
Unlike other crowns, these dental crowns offer the best natural color match. At the same time, they are an excellent choice for people who are allergic to metals. They are an ideal option for the front teeth.
- Pressed Ceramic
The internal structure of these types of dental crowns is rigid. They replace the metal cladding in the fabrication of all-ceramic crowns. Additionally, they have overpressed porcelain to ensure the best fit and durability.
That said, different types of dental crowns offer distinct advantages you’re considering dental crown treatment, it’s in your best interest to engage a competent dentist willing to explain everything regarding their process.