You may have heard of dental crowns and wondered what they are. Dental crowns are artificial caps that are fitted over the top of teeth, to replace or repair them.
They’re also used to help improve the appearance of a tooth by changing its shape, size, colour, or alignment
They are typically made from porcelain or metal and can be used to strengthen or cap teeth that have been damaged by tooth decay, disease, or injury.
When might you need a dental crown?
Dental crowns are a common solution to a variety of dental problems, including cracked or damaged teeth, missing teeth, and gum disease.
A crown can be used for several reasons, including:
- To restore the shape or size of a tooth that has been damaged by decay or injury.
- To support a weak tooth or one that has had root canal therapy.
- To cover a badly discoloured tooth.
- To strengthen an older filling that is prone to decay or fracture.
Different types of dental crowns
There are a lot of different types of dental crowns, and they all serve different purposes.
Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM)
The first type is the porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crown, which is the most common type of crown that you’ll see in a dentist’s office.
This type of crown is made from a combination of metal and porcelain, and it’s typically used to repair broken or damaged teeth. It’s also used as an alternative to a full onlay or veneer if you’re looking for something more affordable or less permanent than those options.
Porcelain
A porcelain crown can also be used as a base for another type of restoration called an inlay denture, which is basically like having your own custom-made false teeth. They’re made from porcelain and resin that can be moulded to fit your tooth. Porcelain crowns are strong, durable, long-lasting, and stain-resistant.
All Ceramic
Another common type of dental crown is the all-ceramic crown (sometimes called an “all-porcelain” crown). This kind of restoration has become more popular recently because it looks very natural and doesn’t require any metal parts as other types do; however, it does tend to be more expensive than PFM crowns because it requires more labour and materials during manufacturing.
Metal
A metal crown is often used to restore the shape and function of a tooth after it has been damaged by decay or injury. Metal crowns can be made of several different materials, such as palladium, nickel, Zirconia, or gold. Metal crowns are used mainly for back molars as they are more durable and last longer than the other methods.
Who are dental crowns suitable for?
Dental crowns are a great solution for many patients who need to repair or restore their teeth. They’re often recommended when a tooth has experienced such structural damage that it cannot support a smaller restoration (like a filling).
Dental crowns are suitable for numerous reasons, including:
- If you have suffered from tooth decay, or have worn down your teeth through grinding or chewing.
- If you are experiencing discolouration of your teeth.
- If you have lost one or more teeth due to an accident or injury.
How much do dental crowns cost?
If you have a dental extras policy from your health fund, you may be covered for part of the cost of a dental crown. Ask for an estimate and send in your treatment item numbers to find out.
On average, patients in Queensland can typically expect to pay between $950 to $3,500 for a dental crown.
If you want to find out how much a dental crown costs, book a consultation appointment at one of our practices. Our dental specialists will provide you with a treatment plan that lists the materials used as well as the number of crowns that need to be placed.
How long does a crown treatment take?
It depends on the procedure
For example, crowns for broken teeth take about one hour, but for an extraction site that needs a crown, it will take between two and four hours. The length of time also depends on how much work needs to be done. If you have decay in many teeth or gum disease, then your dentist may need to spend even more time looking at and treating your mouth.
What happens during a dental crown procedure?
- The dentist prepares the tooth by removing a layer of its outer surface. The crown will be the same thickness as the thickness of this removed layer.
- Crowns are made by taking an impression, which is sent to a technician who prepares it.
- They can be matched to the colour of other teeth and are often made from porcelain, which can be matched to your natural teeth.
- A temporary crown may be placed on a tooth to protect the tooth and neighbouring teeth until the permanent crown is prepared.
- The dentist applies dental cement or adhesive to affix the permanent crown in place.
Caring for and maintaining your new crown
It is essential to clean the area around your new restoration each day and to floss around it too. The floss should not pull the restoration out of place when it is done properly. Ask our dentist for tips on how to keep plaque from building up in these areas during your next check-up.
If you care for your crown properly, it should last for more than 10 years.
Overall good dental hygiene is recommended, brushing twice daily (for 2 minutes), flossing daily, and visiting your dentist every 6 months. Talk to our dentist during your next checkup for tips on how to keep these areas free of excessive plaque build-up.
What is the difference between a crown and a bridge?
Bridges are permanent dental fixtures that fill in the open space left by two missing teeth or a missing tooth and a neighbouring one, with each end of the bridge being attached to supporting teeth or dental implants. Unlike dentures or partials, bridges are not removable.
Crowns are placed over damaged teeth, while bridges are used to fill the gap left by a missing tooth.
Dental crowns on the Gold Coast
If you are looking to restore your smile with a dental crown or bridge, contact our friendly team at Mermaid Smiles or give us a call on (07) 5629 7817.
The experienced dentists at our office will help provide you with a clear understanding of what treatment may best suit you.
Alternatively, you can request an appointment online anytime.
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