Cosmetic Dentistry Buyer's Guide

Understanding Dental Crowns

What Are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns at Cascade Dental are versatile and vital restorative solutions to various dental issues. These custom-crafted caps, made from durable materials like porcelain, ceramic, or metal alloys, are designed to fit snugly over damaged, weakened, or aesthetically compromised teeth.

Our experienced dental team at Cascade Dental utilizes dental crowns to restore your teeth’ functionality and appearance. Crowns serve multiple purposes, such as strengthening a tooth after extensive decay or trauma, covering and protecting a tooth following root canal treatment, and enhancing the aesthetics of teeth with cosmetic imperfections.

Dental crowns improve oral health and function and rejuvenate your smile, boosting your self-confidence. Cascade Dental is committed to providing high-quality, personalized dental crown solutions to help you achieve a healthier, more beautiful smile.

Reasons for Dental Crowns

Many different purposes can be served by dental crowns dental issues, including:

• Tooth Decay: Crowns are used to restore teeth with extensive decay that cannot be adequately repaired with fillings.
• Broken or Fractured Teeth: Crowns can strengthen and protect teeth that have sustained significant fractures or damage.
• Root Canal Treated Teeth: After a root canal procedure, a crown is often placed on the treated tooth to prevent further damage and restore function.
• Cosmetic Enhancement: Crowns can improve the appearance of discolored, misshapen, or severely stained teeth.
• Tooth Wear: Excessive tooth wear due to grinding or erosion can be addressed with crowns.
• Tooth Replacement: Crowns can be the visible part of dental implants or part of a dental bridge to replace missing teeth.

Types of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns come in various materials, each with unique characteristics and advantages. The most common types include:

Porcelain Crowns

Advantages:

• Highly aesthetic, closely resembling natural teeth.
• Biocompatible and well-tolerated by gum tissue.
• Suitable for front teeth and visible areas of the mouth.

Considerations:

• They may not be as durable as metal crowns, making them less suitable for heavy chewing forces.

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns

Advantages:

• Offers the aesthetics of porcelain with the strength of metal.
• Suitable for both front and back teeth.
• Long-lasting and durable.

Considerations:

• A thin metal layer beneath the porcelain may sometimes be visible near the gumline.

Metal Crowns (Gold or Other Alloys)

Advantages:

• Exceptional durability and strength make them ideal for back teeth.
• Minimal wear on opposing teeth.
• Long lifespan.

Considerations:

• They are less aesthetic than porcelain crowns, making them less suitable for visible areas of the mouth.

All-Ceramic or All-Porcelain Crowns

Advantages:

• Exceptional aesthetics, closely mimicking natural teeth.
• Biocompatible and suitable for those with metal allergies.

Considerations:

• They may not be as durable as PFM or metal crowns, making them better suited for front teeth.

Zirconia Crowns

Advantages:

• Exceptional strength and durability.
• Natural appearance.
• Suitable for both front and back teeth.

Considerations:

• It may require more tooth reduction compared to other types of crowns.

Choosing the Right Dental Crowns

When selecting dental crowns, several factors should be taken into consideration:

• Tooth Location: The location of the tooth in your mouth, whether a front or back tooth, will influence the choice of material for the crown.
• Aesthetics: If the crown is for a visible area of your mouth, such as a front tooth, you may prioritize aesthetics and choose a porcelain or all-ceramic crown.
• Strength and Durability: Back teeth, which endure more biting force, may benefit from stronger materials like PFM, metal, or zirconia.
• Allergies or Sensitivities: If you have allergies or sensitivities to metals, consider non-metallic options like porcelain or zirconia.
• Tooth Preparation: The tooth reduction required for the crown may vary depending on the material chosen and the specific case.
• Cost: Different crown materials have varying costs, so discussing your budget with your dentist is essential.
• Longevity: Discuss the expected lifespan of the crown with your dentist to make an informed decision.

The Dental Crown Procedure

The steps that are normally involved in receiving a dental crown are as follows the following steps:

• Initial Examination: Your dentist will examine the tooth to identify how extensive the damage is and to evaluate its suitability for a crown.
• Tooth Preparation: The dentist will reshape the tooth by removing a portion of its outer structure to accommodate the crown.
• Impressions: An impression or mold portion of the tooth that has been prepped is extracted, which will be used to construct the custom crown.
• Temporary Crown: In order to safeguard the tooth during the time that the permanent crown is being crafted, a provisional crown will be placed over it fabricated.
• Crown Fabrication: The impression is sent to a dental lab where skilled technicians create the custom crown using the chosen material.
• Fitting and Adjustments: Once the crown is ready, your dentist will ensure it fits properly, make any necessary adjustments, and match the color to your natural teeth.
• Cementation: Dental adhesive permanently cements The final crown onto the prepared tooth.
• Final Adjustments: Your dentist will make final adjustments to ensure the crown fits comfortably and functions correctly.

 Aftercare and Maintenance

Aftercare and maintenance that are done correctly are absolutely necessary for the longevity of your dental crown:

• Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day flossing, and using mouthwash regularly to prevent gum disease and decay.
• Dietary Choices: Avoid excessively hard or sticky foods that could damage the crown or cause it to dislodge.
• Regular Dental Check-Ups: Attend regular dental check-ups to ensure the crown and the underlying tooth are in good condition.
• Nightguards: If you grind your teeth during the night, your dentist may prescribe that you wear a nightguard to protect your gums, teeth, and the crown of your head while you sleep.

Cascade Dental and Dental Crowns

Cascade Dental is dedicated to providing you with the highest quality dental care, including dental crowns. Our experienced dentists and skilled technicians work together to ensure you receive the most suitable and well-crafted crowns tailored to your needs.

We are aware that each and every patient has their own individual characteristics, and we are committed to enhancing your oral health and smile aesthetics through dental crowns. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward restoring and revitalizing your smile. Dental crowns can be vital in preserving and enhancing your dental health, function, and appearance.