A dental crown is a customized tooth-like structure that covers the teeth which are broken, cracked, or weak in structure to give additional strength. They are customized to match the shape, and size of the affected tooth. They can be made out of different materials and can be either tooth-colored or metal-colored.
Why would I need a dental crown?
Following are some reasons that needs a dental crown fixation
- A weakened tooth after severe decay or cavity
- To cover an implant
- To replace a large filling
- A natural tooth that is damaged or cracked
- A tooth that has undergone a root canal (especially posterior teeth)
- To align your bite
- For aesthetics purposes: to achieve a more beautiful smile by leveling the size, shape, and color of your teeth
Types of dental crowns and what are they made up of ?
Metal: They are of two variety
1. Precious metals like gold I.e gold Dental Crowns. It was used extensively in the past, especially for the back teeth. It’s claimed to be the best material to date, due to its properties like good strength and longevity and less tooth structure removal. But the drawback is its cost.
2. Non-precious metals like chromium and nickel. Commonly known as “ Chandi ki cap” “ Silver Cap” or “ metal cap” the Advantage is the cost. And the minimal amount of tooth structure removal
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Porcelain-fused-to-metal
Ceramic crowns fused to metal are opaque and provide a near natural-looking tooth replacement with the added strength of the metal base. Ceramic fused crowns are a good choice for restoring visible teeth where function and durability are more important than aesthetics.
Zirconia crown –zirconia is metal-free, tooth-colored crown with very high strength and good aesthetics compared to the conventional metal-ceramic crown.
Lithium Disilicate Crowns: Popularly known as “ Emax crowns”
These are also metal-free and tooth-colored. They have a wonderful capacity to bond to teeth in thin sections and are therefore used exclusively for partial crowns, only facial/front surface veneers, inlays, onlays, and overlays. They also have the best-in-class aesthetics and can match the tooth shade exactly. They look lifelike and are used extensively in smile designing and makeovers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a custom-made, tooth-shaped cap that covers a damaged, weakened, or cracked tooth. It restores the tooth’s strength, shape, appearance, and function.
2. Why would someone need a dental crown?
Crowns are needed for teeth weakened by decay, after a root canal, to repair cracked teeth, to replace large fillings, to restore implants, to align the bite, or to improve the smile aesthetically.
3. What types of materials are dental crowns made from?
Crowns can be made of precious metals (gold), non-precious metals (nickel-chromium), porcelain fused to metal, zirconia, or lithium disilicate (Emax). Each material offers different benefits.
4. What are metal crowns and when are they used?
Metal crowns include gold and non-precious alloys. They are very strong, long-lasting, and require minimal tooth removal—however, they are not tooth-colored and are usually used for back teeth.
5. What is a porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crown?
A PFM crown has a metal base covered with ceramic. It provides durability with decent aesthetics and is commonly used for back teeth where both strength and appearance matter.
6. What are zirconia crowns?
Zirconia crowns are metal-free, tooth-colored, extremely strong, and highly aesthetic. They are preferred for both front and back teeth due to their durability and natural appearance.
7. What are Emax (lithium disilicate) crowns?
Emax crowns are ultra-aesthetic, metal-free, and can be made very thin. They bond beautifully to natural teeth and are ideal for veneers, partial crowns, inlays, onlays, and smile makeovers.
8. Are dental crowns long-lasting?
Yes. With proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, crowns can last many years. The longevity depends on material choice, bite forces, and care.
9. Does getting a dental crown hurt?
The procedure is generally painless because it is done under local anesthesia. Most patients experience little to no discomfort during or after the treatment.
10. How do I know which crown type is right for me?
Your dentist will recommend the best crown material based on the tooth’s location, amount of damage, aesthetic needs, durability required, and budget.
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