Facts About Dental Crowns
Smiling and engaging in activities such as talking can be awkward if some of your teeth are severely damaged. But you can restore the healthy look and function of your teeth by visiting a dentist and having your teeth fitted with dental crowns. Below are seven crucial facts you should know about dental crowns.
Dental crowns can be useful in restoring severely damaged or compromised teeth
Dental crowns can get defined as caps that are mounted on severely impaired teeth to restore the appearance of the teeth without implanting new teeth or completely removing the damaged teeth. When properly installed, crowns help damaged teeth to regain their natural look and function. That is because each resembles the particular tooth that it is supposed to cover or restore. Teeth crowns are fitted on teeth and allowed to bond, making it possible for you to use them in the same way as you use your natural teeth.
Reasons for having dental crowns installed
One of the main reasons why you may get fitted with dental crowns is to repair a severely damaged tooth, which may not be easy to fix using methods such as dental filling and bonding. Several other reasons can make your dentist recommend the dental crown installation procedure for you. These reasons include:
- To protect weak teeth: If you have feeble teeth, your dentist can recommend a dental crown installation for you to protect your teeth from being damaged.
- As an exercise related to bridge installation: In many cases, dental bridge installation and dental crown placement go hand in hand. Once a bridge gets installed, a crown will have to be placed on the teeth on each side of the bridge to hold it in place.
- As a procedure to improve your smile: Using crowns enhances the appearance of your teeth and hence your smile.
- To prepare a damaged tooth for filling: A crown can be placed on a damaged tooth to replace the tooth’s structure and make it possible for the tooth to support a big filling.
- To cover a dental implant: Dental crowns can be useful in making dental implants less noticeable.
- To protect teeth that have undergone a root canal procedure: Teeth that have undergone a root canal procedure may need to be protected or covered using dental crowns.
Several kinds of dental crowns
There are various types of dental crowns. Some of the dental crown varieties include resin crowns, all-porcelain/ceramic crowns, porcelain-attached-to-metal crowns, base metal alloy crowns, and gold alloy crowns.
Resin crowns
Resin crowns come from resin, which is the same substance used in tooth filling. Resin crowns have an aesthetic appeal and are much cheaper than porcelain crowns. Resin crowns can last for between 3 and 5 years.
All-porcelain/ceramic crowns
These crowns mostly get used to restore incisors because their color easily matches the natural color of the front teeth.
Porcelain-attached-to-metal crowns
These crowns make stronger bonds compared to all-porcelain crowns. Porcelain-attached-to-metal also has high durability.
Base metal alloy crowns
These are very strong, highly resistant, durable, and bond more easily with the natural tooth.
Gold alloy crowns
These crowns make strong bonds and are not easily breakable.
The dental crown installation process requires a few visits to the dentist
If you are planning to have a dental crown fitted in your mouth, you will have to make two or more visits to a dentist. That is because the dentist needs first to determine whether the damaged teeth can get fitted with crowns before going ahead to carry out the procedure. Thus, on the first visit, the dentist will assess your teeth and if they pass the test, start preparing them to install crowns.
Tooth preparation for dental crown installation involves filing the damaged tooth so that it can have a shape that will comfortably accommodate the crown. The dentist also takes an impression of the tooth, which is useful in designing it. The dentist will also fix a temporary crown on the shaped tooth.
Once the appropriate crown gets designed, the dentist will remove the temporary crown and fix the new one using a bonding element.
Take care of your dental crown to prolong its life
Once you have had a dental crown fitted, the next step is to maintain it well. Dental crowns need to be cared for in the same way as your natural teeth. Below are some ways to protect new dental crowns:
- Maintain good oral hygiene practices such as brushing twice a day and flossing regularly
- Avoid grinding your teeth to limit pressure on them.
- Avoid chewing hard objects
- Ensure that your jaws are well aligned when biting to avoid unnecessary wear and tear
- Use interdental cleaners
- Visit your dentist regularly for checkups
The costs of dental crowns vary
The different types of dental crowns have different prices. That varies because of factors like the type of materials used to make the crown and the crown’s properties such as strength and durability. All-porcelain dental crowns are the most expensive, followed by gold crowns. Generally, the cost of having different kinds of dental crowns installed ranges from $500 to about $2500.
You can use dental tourism to benefit from affordable dental crown installation services
Dental tourism makes it possible for you to get high-quality dental services at a much-reduced price in a country with a lower cost of living. For example, you can travel from the United States to have a dental crown installation procedure at any Samaritan Medical and Dental Group facility in Tijuana, Mexico, at a much more affordable price.
Conclusion
You can have your smile and other functionalities, such as talking restored by getting a dental crown. There is a wide range of dental crowns to choose from, and their prices vary. You should consult a dentist regarding the type of dental crown that suits you. Having your dental crown installed at any Samaritan Medical and Dental Group facility in Tijuana, Mexico, will be much cheaper.
