CROWNS
BENEFITS
- To improve the aesthetics of one or more teeth with major color alterations.
- To rehabilitate teeth that have lost much of their structure and ability to support chewing forces.
- To restore a dental implant (crown on implant).
Crowns on natural teeth require healthy roots and stable structures, and care and hygiene on the part of the patient are essential for long-term success. A dental crown is an excellent solution for severely damaged, fractured, or eroded teeth. Crowns are typically needed for teeth that have undergone endodontic treatment (root canal), present aesthetic issues that cannot otherwise be resolved, or have diminished chewing ability. Dental crowns offer high aesthetic quality and long-lasting durability.
CROWN ON NATURAL TOOTH
After anesthesia or root canal treatment, one or more teeth are prepared by the dentist using diamond burs. The tooth is then reduced in size to make room for the crown that will cover it like a cap. Only the necessary portion of the tooth is removed, preserving as much of the hard structure as possible. After the preparation is complete, impressions are taken of the prepared teeth, and a temporary crown is fitted.
In the second phase of treatment, the temporary crown is removed, and the accuracy of the final crown is evaluated. At this stage, the patient can assess the form, color, function, and aesthetics of the crown. After any adjustments, the crown is permanently cemented using highly durable, specialized dental cements.
In the case of a single crown, it is made to match the neighboring natural teeth as closely as possible. In more extensive restorations, especially in the front teeth, the shape and color will be chosen by the patient with the expert advice of our staff. Dental crowns are fully customizable, and patient feedback is collected and considered to finalize the crown’s appearance.
Crowns can be made of a variety of materials. They do not wear out over time and maintain their color. However, they are very hard and may wear down the opposing teeth; they can fracture, and thermal sensitivity may occur if the tooth is still vital.
CROWN ON IMPLANT
These crowns are designed to be cemented or screwed onto a dental implant. Instead of covering a natural tooth, implant crowns replicate the aesthetic and functional aspects of a tooth by attaching to a titanium screw anchored in the bone. After osseointegration is complete, the dentist exposes the implant to take impressions. This step may require minimal anesthesia.
Once impressions are taken, the implant is temporarily covered with a healing cap. In the second phase, the implant is exposed again so the crown can be tried in place, just like a natural tooth. After any minor adjustments, the crown is either screwed into the implant or cemented onto an abutment (a post-like structure) that is itself screwed into the implant.
MATERIALS OF CHOICE
Metal crowns (gold, palladium, chrome, etc.)
These are highly durable and require minimal tooth preparation. They can be made very thin yet remain strong. However, they are rarely used today due to their limited aesthetic appeal and are mainly indicated for less visible back teeth.
Metal-ceramic crowns
These have a metal base that contacts the tooth and a white ceramic outer layer for aesthetics. They are long-lasting and improve on the aesthetic limitations of full metal crowns. When well-crafted and customized, they are also suitable for use in the front teeth (incisors and canines).
Zirconium crowns
Created using CAD/CAM technology, zirconia crowns are milled from solid white blocks of zirconia. This material is lightweight, strong, aesthetic, and biocompatible. Its hardness allows excellent polishing for an attractive appearance, especially when combined with porcelain. Zirconia crowns are quicker to produce than metal-ceramic crowns, cost more, but offer significant advantages in all aspects.
Lithium disilicate crowns
Considered the gold standard for crowns and veneers, lithium disilicate is a glass-ceramic material composed of glass and silicon. It is extremely hard, wear-resistant, biocompatible, and completely metal-free. Its opalescence and translucency allow it to closely replicate the natural appearance of teeth. Although more expensive than other types, lithium disilicate crowns provide unmatched aesthetics and durability.