Tooth crowns are an excellent way to give your teeth a dramatic makeover. They cover the entire visible portion of one tooth and can be used as either temporary or permanent solutions, depending on what you want for yourself.
A tooth crown is a custom-made, permanent restoration. They look like an empty tooth shaped “cap” that replaces your natural teeth and covers the entire visible portion of the gum line.
When Do You Need a Dental Crown?
A crown is a dental prosthesis that can be used to restore strength, functionality and shape of your tooth. A situation where you may need one include:
- When protecting a weakened or cracked tooth and hold it together and prevent it from breaking
- When replacing a broken, old, or failing tooth filling
- When restoring a broken tooth
- When restoring length on worn down teeth (secondary to bruxism)
- When covering and supporting a tooth that has a large filing
- When making cosmetic modifications such as reshaping or rotating the teeth
- When holding a dental bridge in place
- When covering a dental implant
- When restoring strength to any tooth that has undergone root canal therapy
In essence, a dental crown will not only enhance the tooth’s appearance, it will also protect it from further breakdown and wear.
When you lose a tooth, your smile will eventually be affected. Gaps left in the mouth may cause neighboring teeth to shift or rotate into that empty space causing malocclusion—a “bad bite” which can negatively impact your oral health and eating habits.
If you have not yet discussed tooth replacement options with your dentist, such as an implant and crown, then it is always best to do so before leaving gaps in dentition. If left unchecked for too long these can cause further damage.
Possible damage can include bone deterioration in the jaw or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Unfortunately temporomandibular joint disorders and other conditions might require more extensive treatment down the line.
What are the Different Types of Crowns?
Some permanent dental crowns can be made from the following:
- All ceramic
- All metal
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal
All Metal Crowns
All-metal crowns are the strongest type of tooth, due to their 100% metal construction. These tough and durable dental prostheses have become increasingly popular because they do not easily break or chip like other types can under pressure.
Metal crowns are a great option for those who need strong bonds and durability. If you bite on metal, your teeth will hold up well thanks to how tough it is. The best part? They are easy on the mouth because they don’t cause any pain or discomfort like some other types of dental work.
All Ceramic / All Porcelain Crowns
All ceramic crowns are sometimes also called ‘all porcelain’ or ‘porcelain.’ The terminology is used to describe both the various types of these dental prosthetics, as well as some specific kinds made from this material.
All ceramic dental crowns provide a natural appearance and color that is amazingly lifelike, unmatched by any other type. The lustrous quality of the teeth’s optic light which passes through them then reflects outwards creates this amazing look for your smile.
Porcelain-Fused-To-Metal Crowns
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are often shortened to either PFM or VMK, an abbreviation of the German words ‘Vita Metal Keramik.’ This process involves firing ceramic onto a metal base in order for it to become part of one’s dental fixture.
PFM crowns are typically made up of two components. The core, which is usually metal and alloys. However, it can also be other materials like a type of porcelain if that is needed for the patient’s specific condition.
