Dental imperfections like fractures, discolorations, and even gaps can negatively affect your smile confidence. Fortunately, you can correct dental problems with restorations like crowns. Dental crowns are custom caps that fit over your teeth to repair damage. Because crowns restore the shape and size of your teeth, they can protect them from further damage, and enhance appearance.
Why choose Dental Crowns?
Teeth can become damaged over time from decay, injury, and regular use. Also, grinding or bruxism can also change the size and shape of teeth. Here are some additional reasons you may need a crown:
- Cavities that are too big for fillings
- To secure bridges for missing teeth
- Cracked, broken, or worn down teeth
- To cover dental implants
- To protect and strengthen a tooth after a root canal treatment
- Repair deep discoloration
If you’ve any of the above issues, crowns can help you achieve your smile goals. Not only do crowns restore the functionality of your teeth and enhance your smile, but they also have a better success rate than other restorative treatments such as inlays and onlays.
What is the Difference Between a Temporary and a Permanent Crown?
A temporary crown refers to a crown that you wear while waiting for the laboratory to craft a permanent crown. As it is made at the dentist’s office and usually consists of acrylic-based materials, it’s not as hardwearing or designed for longevity. Permanent crowns, on the other hand, are made at the lab. They consist of highly durable porcelain material and act as final tooth restorations.
The Steps of Receiving Dental Crowns
Getting a dental crown is a simple procedure that usually involves two visits for preparation and placement. So, before getting started, the Doctor may take an impression of your teeth to have custom trays created.
Step 1: Preparation
During your first visit, your dentist will prepare your tooth by shaping it. Doing so is necessary for achieving the right base shape for a proper fit. Your dentist will then wash and dry your tooth before taking an impression of your tooth and bite. This procedure facilitates the production of your permanent crown at the lab. Your dentist will then place a temporary crown that protects your tooth as you wait for your permanent crown.
Step 2: Placement
After one or two weeks, your permanent crown will be ready. During the second appointment, your dentist will remove the temporary crown. Any adjustments regarding color and fit are made during this stage until the new crown matches and fits perfectly. And finally, your dentist cements the crown on your tooth to restore your smile.
How To Care for Your Dental Crowns
Dental crowns do not require any special treatment. You can take care of your crowns by practicing proper hygiene, which involves brushing and flossing daily, and going for regular dental checkups. Because crowns are subject to normal wear and tear, and you may have to replace them after some time. So, with proper care and maintenance, dental crowns can last you for up to 15 years.
The cost of your crown may be partially covered by your insurance. As most plans will require an estimate for predetermination, so be sure to discuss everything with your dentist and treatment coordinator before planning your appointment. Visit https://lynhurstdental.ca/contact-us/ to schedule today!
This article originally appeared on dentalsignal.com
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