Dental crowns can be used in various situations to repair damaged teeth. They are most common used when a tooth is severely cracked or when it has been treated with a root canal procedure. They are also used to anchor bridges to replace missing teeth.
How a Crown is Placed
A crown is custom-made to match the tooth being treated in order to prevent disruption to your alignment and bite. Your dentist will take a mold of your tooth from which the final crown is prepared. Then he will alter the shape of your tooth to make room for the crown. After the tooth is prepared, a temporary crown is set into place to protect your tooth until the permanent crown is ready.
On your second visit, the permanent crown is fixed into place with a special adhesive that holds it firmly on the tooth. You will be able to bite and chew normally, as the crown is made of materials that will stand up to normal biting and chewing stress and pressure.
Choosing a Dental Crown
There are several types of dental crowns. You and your dentist will work together to decide which type is the best for your specific needs. The main types of crowns are:
- Metal crowns. Usually made of gold, these are very durable and often used for molars.
- Porcelain crowns. Porcelain is tooth-colored and is often used for front teeth.
- Porcelain bonded metal crowns. These combine the strength of metal crowns with the natural look of porcelain crowns.
In most cases, a crown is recommended more for restoration than for cosmetic purposes. If you have problems with the appearance of the front surfaces of your teeth, for example, your dentist might make a different recommendation to restore the look of your smile. With a severely cracked or damaged tooth, however, or a tooth that has had a root canal, a crown is often the best way to ensure long-term use of the tooth.
Call 416-922-1012 to speak with our experienced dental team about dental crowns and what will work best for you.