What is a dental crown?

A crown, sometimes known as dental cap, is a type of dental restoration which completely caps or encircles a tooth or dental implant. It is a tooth-shaped “cap” that is placed over a tooth. Crowns are often needed when large cavity threatens the ongoing health of a tooth. They are typically connected to the tooth by using dental cement or composites. Crowns can be made from many materials, which are usually fabricated using indirect methods. Crowns are often used to improve the strength and/or appearance of teeth. While inarguably beneficial to dental health, the procedure and materials can be relatively expensive.

Reasons why dentist use dental crowns

A dental crown typically restores a tooth’s shape, size, and strength. It fully encases the visible portion of your tooth or dental implant. Once it is permanently bonded in place, only a Dentist or Specialist can remove it. Dentists may however prescribe dental crowns for any of the following reasons:

1. To help restore and protect a tooth that is worn, decayed, cracked, or broken
2. To help to protect and support a tooth after a very large filling or root canal treatment
3. Cover a dental implant
4. Hold a dental bridge or other prosthetic device in place
5. Improve your smile by covering a misshapen or severely discolored tooth.

What exactly makes up a good dental crown?

Following years of viable research, it has been ascertained that a good dental crown will possess the following qualities:

1. Perfect fit: When you have a crown made, you want a perfect marginal fit. No marginal overcontouration, undercontouration or short dimensions are acceptable. That’s the most important factor when it comes to the quality of a crown. A good looking crown with bad marginal fittings MUST be removed, a bad looking with good marginal fittings CAN stay in the mouth without harming the patients oral health,

2. Proper contact: A good crown make proper contact with opposing teeth and adjacent teeth.

3. Match: It will match the color of your surrounding teeth. A good dental crown does not have a color that differs from that of the surrounding teeth.

4. Biocompatibility: A Zirconia crown has a high degree of biocompatibility. It must not lack biocompatibility as a lack of biocompatibility may cause allergic reactions or gum line discoloration.

The Different Types of Crowns

There are temporary crowns and permanent crowns. Crowns can be made from a variety of different materials, depending on the patient’s need and preference:

Metals: Metal crowns normally include alloys with a high gold/platinum content, or base-metal alloys like cobalt-chromium and nickel-chromium. These alloys can endure the wear and tear of long-term biting and chewing, and are considered very durable since they dont chip or break. The color is the main disadvantage, which is why they’re often used for molars near the back of the mouth.

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal: This type of crown is a solid option for front or back teeth. However, this kind of material has its disadvantages especially when it comes to esthetics. Its dark metal margin produces in many cases a dark shadow which is especially in the esthetic zone a huge disadvantage.

All-Resin/Hybridcrowns: Nowadays a good alternative to other materials. Vita Vmlc is a high esthetic material which can be used for veneerrestorations, crowns or inlays. Hybridrrestorations such as Vita Enamic are highly indicated for single implant restorations.

All-Ceramic or All-Porcelain: Easily considered the best cosmetic choice, these dental crowns provide a natural color match that’s far better than any of the other materials, and they’re definitely more suitable for patients with any metal allergies.