What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns have been around in one form or another since ancient times.Put simply, a crown is a tooth cap that is placed over a tooth and held in place by dental adhesive or cement. Before fitting a crown, the tooth tissue will be reduced and shaped so the crown can be affixed. Using a dental crown, your dentist can restore your tooth’s shape, size and appearance.
What Are Dental Crowns Made out Of?
Crowns can be made from a variety of materials. They can be made from plastic, ceramic or metal alloys. A combination of metal and ceramic is also possible — this helps to maximise strength and simulate the appearance of natural teeth.Different Types of Dental Crowns
We offer four types of dental crowns in Dublin D4:Zirconia Crowns
A zirconia crown is a popular type of all-ceramic crown that is worn to improve the appearance of a tooth that has become stained or disfigured over the years. They are durable, easy to wear and long-lasting, making them an extremely cost-efficient choice.E-Max Crowns
The E-Max crown is a type of all-ceramic crown with an appealing translucent colour. This dental crown is favoured for its long-lasting, aesthetic qualities. This crown and the Zirconia crown are popular as a result of their highly attractive appearance — they are carefully designed to complement the rest of your teeth. E-Max is considered a good option for damaged, stained or poor quality teeth. This crown is made from a single block of lithium disilicate ceramic: this is a top grade material which has been harvested for its toughness, durability and opaque qualities which makes it a highly prized dental crown.Ceramic Crowns
These are a type of cosmetic crown made purely from ceramic and no other material. This is in contrast to other types of crowns, such as the porcelain fused to metal variety and gold crowns. The defining feature of these crowns is that they are made from a translucent material which is attractive to look at and blends in well with the rest of your teeth. For this reason, ceramic crowns are a popular choice when restoring front teeth as they can seamlessly blend in with your natural tooth colour.Metal-Ceramic Crowns
Metal-ceramic crowns are a traditional type of crown often used in bridges plus crown and bridge cases. They are often fitted onto back teeth and are considered a strong, robust type of crown. Another name for this is a “porcelain fused to metal” crown. They consist of a metal interior or base which is fused to porcelain crowns. The metal interior can be produced from a range of metals, e.g. alloy and this is what gives this crown its strength.Benefits of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are beneficial and necessary for a number of reasons, as outlined below:- As a protective cover for badly decayed or fractured teeth
- As a permanent restoration for teeth with large fillings
- To correct minor problems in natural teeth like spacing and irregular shape or severe discolouration
- To strengthen or protect weakened teeth
- To cover a dental implant
- So that dental bridges might be attached
How Do I Care for My Dental Crowns?
Crowns are made of inert materials that do not deteriorate over time. However, the underlying tooth is still prone to decay and gum disease. You should also be aware that the ceramic on the surface of the crown may chip or fracture over time. Avoid chewing excessively-hard substances like ice or bones. Daily brushing and flossing are essential for maintaining good oral health as well as keeping the crown in peak condition. The most vulnerable portion of the crown is the margin or the junction between tooth and crown.Regular check-ups at your local dentist will ensure any problems relating to your dental crown are picked up and addressed as early as possible so that you can organise any recommended treatment.
