What Are Teeth Crowns and Are They Effective?

The appearance of your teeth can have a significant impact on your life. We all want to have a bright, white smile. But what if you have chips, cracks, misshapen or discolored teeth? This can affect your smile and self-confidence. Luckily, several dental treatments can help you fix these dental imperfections, like getting dental crowns near you.

What are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are caps fitted to teeth to restore the natural shape and size of the tooth. Dental crowns are effective because they can replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or all teeth in one arch.

It is important to note that dental crowns cannot be removed because they have been cemented onto the tooth.

Why Are Dental Crowns Used?

One reason our dentist in Palm Harbor might use dental crowns is to strengthen a tooth that has been weakened by decay, a crack, or fracture. Dental crowns can also cover and protect an exposed root canal or stabilize a dental bridge.

What are the Available Dental Crowns Types?

Dental crowns come in different types, and they include:

• Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns: These are made of a metal alloy covered with a layer of porcelain. They can be used to restore both front and back teeth.
• All-ceramic crowns are made from a single material, which is usually ceramic. They can be used for front teeth but not for back teeth because they tend to break more quickly when they contact chewing forces.
• Gold alloys contain gold and other metals such as nickel, copper, and silver. They are more durable but a bit more expensive than the different types. Its durability makes it easy for Dr. Cecilia Sorelle to fix them on the back of the teeth.

How Are Dental Crowns Fixed?

It is worth noting that you will need to visit a dental office near you twice to get the dental crowns. Getting dental crowns is done in several steps, spread over two dental visits.

• Dental examination and teeth preparation

The dentist will do a comprehensive assessment to determine if you are eligible for dental crowns. She will prepare your teeth by reshaping the enamel to make room for the dental crowns.

The thickness of the dental crown will determine how much enamel is removed. A putty-like material is used to take an impression of the teeth to make the crowns. It can take about three weeks to get the permanent crowns, so the dentist will cover the reshaped teeth with a temporary crown to protect the teeth from sensitivity.

• Fixing the dental crowns

This is done at the second dental visit, where the dentist will remove the temporary one and replace it with the permanent crowns. The dentist cleans plaques or debris on the teeth before fixing the teeth.

She will prepare the teeth and use cement to hold the teeth in place. The excess adhesive is removed, and teeth polished for a complete look.

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

A dental crown typically lasts for 8-12 years but can last for about 20 years or more. But this depends on how well you take care of it. The dental crowns can wear out with time, and this can cause them to chip and crack with time. If the dental crowns crack or chip, visit an emergency dentist near you for treatment.

What are the Advantages of Dental Crowns?

The advantages of dental crowns include:

• They make the tooth look natural and healthy.
• Crowns are used to cover up any visible gaps in between your teeth or fill in chips and cracks.
• They cover up discoloration of the tooth enamel caused by age or injury.
• Crowns protect the tooth from further damage.
• They Keep the shape of your teeth.

One of the drawbacks of dental crowns is that it is not reversible. This is because the enamel is reshaped, and that process is permanent.

Schedule an Appointment

Visit Palm Harbor Smiles for more information about dental crowns and what you can expect during the procedure.