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There are several types of dental situations that necessitate the use of crowns, or ‘caps’ for your teeth. The most common use of a crown is protecting an already weak or damaged tooth from further decay. Depending on your dental condition, a crown may also protect your gums and other teeth from infection. If you have a tooth that is disfigured or badly discolored, it may be used simply for cosmetic improvement. Some other uses of crowns include holding a dental bridge in place, and covering implants. Here is complete information about dental crowns.

What is a Crown?

A crown is a tooth-shaped cover or cap that improves the appearance and strength of a disfigured, chipped or damaged tooth. It also restores the right shape and size. Crowns may be made from metals, porcelain-fused-to-metal, stainless steel, acrylic, resin, or ceramic. The different materials all have their advantages and disadvantages.

Temporary and Permanent Crowns

Making a permanent crown is a complex process. Each crown is made to order in a dental laboratory, following specific shape and size measurements taken by your dentist. Till your permanent crown is delivered, your dentist may recommend that you use a temporary crown to protect and cover your damaged tooth. Temporary crowns are typically made from either acrylic or stainless steel.

It is best to have a thorough understanding of your options, when it comes to permanent crowns. The sturdiest and most long-lasting crowns are metal crowns (can be made from a number of different alloys, including gold, palladium, chromium or nickel). They withstand normal wear extremely well, and last longer than any other crowns. They also cause minimal wear and tear to opposite teeth. The problem with metal crowns is the color. They do not look natural, and are best used for hidden teeth.

Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns can be matched to the color of your adjacent teeth, which gives them a natural look. However, the porcelain portion may break or chip over time, and these crowns also cause more wear and tear to opposite teeth than metal. You could also get an all-ceramic crown. This gives the most natural color possible, but it is not as durable as metal or porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. It also causes significant wear and tear to opposite teeth. However, it’s natural color makes it a good choice for front teeth. The cheapest option is an all-resin dental crown. This kind, though, is most prone to chipping and breakage.

Dental Crowns for Kids

Temporary stainless steel crowns are often used for children’s primary (baby) teeth. These are designed to come off naturally when the tooth falls off. Some common situations in kids that necessitate crowns include badly decayed teeth, and protection for teeth when daily oral hygiene is poor and the child is unable to practice proper dental care.

Care and Precautions

When you get your temporary crown initially, it requires certain care. Try to avoid gum, and sticky, chewy foods. These can potentially dislocate your crown. Similarly, very hard foods, such as a hard apple, can break your crown. In fact, it is best recommended that you chew your food from the side of the mouth that does not have the crown.

When your permanent crown is fixed, you may experience some discomfort, especially with very hot and cold foods. Pain or sensitivity during your biting process may also indicate that the crown has been placed too high. This can easily be corrected by your dentist. In fact, if you experience any discomfort or pain, make sure you come back and consult your dentist.

Over time, it is possible for a crown to get chipped, come loose or even fall off. It is important to stay in touch with your dentist regularly, and keep him informed if you feel or notice anything out of the ordinary with your crown. Be aware that the average lifespan of a crown is 5 – 15 years, and to a large extent this depends on your oral habits. For a better and healthier experience, avoid opening wrappers with your teeth, biting your fingernails or grinding your teeth.