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Crowns

Introduction

 

Crowns, otherwise known as "caps", are coverings that fit over teeth. Crowns may be necessary because of broken down old fillings, fractured, chipped or sensitive teeth. Crowns are also used to improve the appearance of natural teeth that are malformed, malpositioned or discolored.

Crowns are made of natural looking porcelain and are made to improve your overall smile or to blend in with your own teeth. An underlying metal shell is used under the porcelain if additional strength is needed.

Indications for a crown includes:

  1. A previously filled tooth that contains more filling than tooth. The tooth structure becomes weakened and can no longer support the filling.
  2. Extensive damage by decay.
  3. Discolorations / unattractive teeth.
  4. Fractures
  5. Root canal - After root canal, teeth tend to become brittle and are more likely to fracture. These teeth need to be protected by a crown.
  6. Bridges - When missing teeth are replaced with a bridge, the adjacent teeth require crowns in order to support the replacement teeth.
Crowns strengthen and protect the remaining tooth structure and can improve the appearance of your teeth. Crowns can be made from different materials which include the full porcelain crown, the porcelain fused-to-metal crown and the all-metal crown. You and your dentist will decide which type is appropriate, depending upon the strength requirements and esthetic concerns of the tooth involved.

Fitting a crown requires at least two appointments. During your first visit, the tooth is prepared for the crown, an impression or mold is made of the tooth, and a temporary crown is placed over the prepared tooth. At the subsequent visit, the temporary crown is removed and the final crown is fitted and adjusted and cemented into place.

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