News & Tips

What is a dental crown, and why do we require one?

Dental crowns are placed on reconstructed teeth to help maintain function and to improve aesthetics. It covers the entire tooth and up to the gum line, and if properly placed, it can last up to 15 years.

Depending on the patient’s needs and desires for strength, support, and structure, dental crowns can be made of a variety of materials.

Crowns come in a variety of styles, including:

• Ceramic or porcelain crowns: ceramic crowns have a very natural colour and are ideal if the patient is allergic to metals. However, a ceramic crown can quickly wear down the opposing teeth.

• Resin crowns are the most cost-effective crowns because they are made from composite materials similar to those used in tooth fillings. They are not suitable for permanent crowns due to their fragility.

• Metal crowns are the most durable crowns in terms of strength and durability. They are made of metals such as chromium, nickel, and gold. Palladium and stainless steel.

• Porcelain fused to metal crowns (PFM) are hybrid crowns composed of porcelain and metal. These crowns are more durable, but the metal component may appear dark beneath the porcelain/ceramic cap. If opposing teeth wear down the cap, it may be damaged or chipped.

What is the procedure for placing crowns on your teeth?

Crowns can be installed in two visits to the dentist, which include the following steps:

1- Tooth preparation: First, dentists reconstruct the outside of the teeth to match the cap. If the tooth requires more support, the core of the tooth should be rebuilt to strengthen it.

2- Making an impression of your tooth.

3- Applying a temporary crown a temporary crown is placed on your teeth for at least two weeks until your permanent crown is ready. It is critical that you take care of your teeth during this time to avoid any damage to the structure of your teeth.

4- Cementing the permanent crown: after receiving the permanent crown, your dentist will place it on the teeth and, after confirming with you that the new crown looks and feels right, your dentist will cement it in place.

Why do we sometimes require a dental crown?

A dental crown is a replacement for the original teeth that keeps the teeth functioning properly when they are damaged. Here are some examples of when you might need dental crowns:

When you have a severely decayed, damaged, or broken tooth A crown will protect the original tooth from further damage.

If you want to replace a missing tooth with a dental bridge. The crown will aid in the retention of that bridge.

If you want to make cosmetic changes to your teeth, if you have a damaged or missing tooth, a dental crown is aesthetically appealing.

If your tooth structure is compromised, a dental crown can help to strengthen a weak tooth as well as the force of biting and chewing.

If you have had root canal therapy, Crowns can help you regain the structure and strength of your teeth.

call our team on 0402 111 580 to arrange an appointment