The joys of a beautiful smile are something that everyone desires, however oral health can be impacted by, and deteriorate with age, diet and lifestyle. Experiencing painful dental complications can have a huge impact on, not only eating and drinking, but everyday life. Many factors come into play when considering what could damage our teeth. Whether it be injury, infection or poor oral hygiene, a dental crown can be an effective treatment option for the problematic tooth. If you're in need of a crown, it's important that you know what to expect, from the basics of the procedure to post-crown care.
What is a Dental Crown and How Can It Benefit You?
A dental crown is a prosthetic device that is custom-made to fit over the entire tooth's surface and provide it with added strength and durability. A crown can be used to restore a tooth that is badly broken, cracked or decayed. It can improve the appearance of teeth that are discoloured or misshapen, as well as strengthen a tooth that has a large filling. The restoration of the tooth improves functionality, feeling and appearance. Beautiful, healthy teeth usually result in a more confident smile, which can lead to better mental health.
How do dental bridges work?
Bridges on the other hand may be recommended if you’re missing one or more teeth. A bridge is a prosthetic that is cemented to the natural teeth on either side of the gap created by the missing tooth. Hence forming a “bridge” over the gap left by the missing tooth. The teeth of either side of the missing tooth act as supports for the dental bridge. A crown will then be placed over the bridge to recreate a natural looking tooth.
How are your crowns made?
In TC Dental Group, all our dental crowns are custom-made manually for each patient by our special-partner dental ceramist. We have an onsite crown laboratory located at our Upper Mt Gravatt Practice. That means you can receive immediate support from our dental ceramists. They specialize in fabricating all types of cosmetic metal and porcelain crowns.
Our dental ceramists can ensure that your crown are fitted perfectly and match your natural tooth colour as much as possible. It also means that if there are any issues when fitting your crowns, our ceramists can provide you with instant feedback.
What are Crowns Made of?
Permanent dental crowns can be made from the following materials:
- All-metal (includes gold/gold alloy)
- All-ceramic
- Porcelain
- Stainless steel
- Resin
- Zirconium
It is possible to use a combination of materials to create a single crown, such as gold with porcelain, referred to as porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM).
How long does it take?
It normally takes 2 to 3 visits to have crowns and bridges prepared and fitted. However they should last you around 10 to 15 years – as long as you maintain good oral hygiene, avoid chewing on hard subjects, and have regular check-ups with your dentist.
If you are embarrassed about your tooth because it is damaged, chipped or missing, and want to restore your smile with confidence again, call us at (07) 3349 9334. Our friendly team is more than happy to answer all your questions.
Dental Crown Aftercare
Dental crowns should be well looked after to ensure they last as long as possible. While your crown is still fresh, you may feel some sensitivity, however, this is only temporary. If discomfort does not pass in a few days, consult with your dentist.
In the first few days, it is important to avoid consuming chewy and sticky food, as well as performing any actions that might accidentally displace the new crown. After a few days, you may start treating your crown as a regular tooth. Maintain proper dental hygiene by brushing your teeth with a gentle-bristled toothbrush twice daily and flossing once a day. Investing time into a healthy dental routine will prevent future damage and disease in your mouth, and make your brand-new crown last longer.
Better oral health leads to better overall health.