DENTAL CROWNS

A dental crown acts as a solution for restoring and protecting teeth that are damaged or decayed. Essentially a "cap," it covers the entire tooth surface, restoring its original shape and size, and improving the appearance of discoloured or misshapen teeth. At Pearly Dental, we often recommend crowns for these purposes.

TYPES OF CROWNS

There are various types of crowns, each offering unique benefits:

Metal Crowns: Known for their durability and longevity, metal crowns are ideal for withstanding biting and chewing forces. However, their visible metallic colour makes them less suitable for front teeth.

Ceramic Crowns: Offering an excellent natural colour match, ceramic crowns are preferred for their aesthetic appeal, especially suitable for individuals with metal allergies. They are, however, less durable than metal crowns and may wear down opposing teeth more.

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns: These crowns combine metal's durability with porcelain's aesthetic appeal. A potential downside is the visibility of the metal base as a dark line at the gum line.

Zirconia Crowns: Known for their toughness, durability, and biocompatibility, zirconia crowns are extremely strong but may lack the natural translucency of all-ceramic options.

CROWN PLACEMENT PROCESS

The crown placement process typically requires two visits. In the first visit, the tooth is numbed, prepared, and an impression is taken for the crown mold. A temporary crown is placed until the permanent one is ready. During the second visit, we fit the new crown, ensuring perfect color and fit, before permanently cementing it.

Like natural teeth, crowns require regular brushing and flossing for longevity. With proper care, a high-quality crown can last between 10 to 50 years.