Dental crowns are used to repair damaged teeth. They also may also be used to support dental bridges and as a crown to restore dental implants. Dental crowns are made of ceramic or metal and are shaped like a tooth. The type of crown to be used will depend on the dental condition being rectified and will be determined by the dentist.
There are different types of dental crowns. Metal crowns are less popular because of aesthetic problems. They are visible externally and so are not aesthetically appealing. However, they are very advantageous in terms of functionality.
This is because they are very durable and have a long-lasting life. The common metals used to make dental crowns include gold, palladium and nickel, and chromium alloys.
Ceramic crowns are made from porcelain, synthetic resins, and other dental-quality ceramics. One of the major advantages of ceramic crowns is that they look very similar to your tooth. Just like enamel, ceramics are also slightly translucent and have the same unique, natural luster as normal teeth.
Dental crown procedures involve two steps. First, the dentist will remove thin layers of enamel from the natural teeth to accommodate the crown. Nearby teeth are also prepared in the same way. An impression is then made and the crown is prepared in a dental laboratory.
Dental crowns have a long lifetime. If proper oral hygiene is maintained, crowns can last 10 to 15 years. After this period, the crowns may have to be replaced. Crowns may also have to be replaced due to problems like wear and tear, dental decay, or improper fitting during placement.
