What are Dental Crowns?

A dental crown is a form of dental restoration. It completely caps or encloses a tooth or dental implant and is usually bonded to the tooth by means of dental cement. Dental crowns, when cemented into place, fully cover the visible portion of a tooth that is above the gum line.

Whether you are missing more than half of your tooth structure or suffering from just a small cavity, you can use a dental crown to cover the remaining tooth structure and make it strong again.

A dental crown is almost like a “cap” that is positioned over a tooth. It covers the tooth and restores its original shape and size, thus improving its appearance significantly. Dental crowns are commonly used to hold a dental bridge in place and to cover chipped or severely discolored teeth or dental implants.

Similar to any type of porcelain used by dentists, or any man-made product, the average life expectancy is a decade. You can make it last longer by adopting good oral habits. If you follow a good dental hygiene routine, you will be able to maintain your dental crown for a longer period of time. If you clench and grind your teeth excessively, you must pay special attention not to chip your bridge or the porcelain off of it.

Types of crowns available

There are many types of crowns available today. An all porcelain crown is the most cosmetically desirable, mimicking the appearance of the natural enamel of the surrounding teeth. A porcelain-fused-to-metal crown is another common way to a cover a tooth. The problem most people find is that the metal can start to show as the gums receed. If you clench or grind your teeth, a gold crown has great strength to withstand extra biting forces.



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