What are Crowns?
A crown is a prosthetic positioned over a tooth to create a smoother look, and enhance strength, and durability. The different types of crowns include full porcelain crowns, which are ideal for use on the front teeth, all-metal crowns, which are ideal for the back teeth, and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns.
The placement of a crown is often recommended when a tooth:
- is cracked
- has an old filling
- is severely decayed
In addition to improving the appearance of your smile, crowns strengthen, and protect the remaining tooth structure.
The Dental Crown Procedure
The tooth is first shaped to accommodate the crown. An impression of the tooth, and the surrounding teeth is then taken. Thereafter, a temporary acrylic crown is placed on the tooth. When the permanent crown is ready, normally after a period of one to two weeks, the temporary crowns are replaced by permanent crowns.
With careful dental maintenance regime, a crown may last up to 40 years.
