A crown is a dental restoration that covers the entire visible surface of a tooth above the gum line. Dental crowns can improve the aesthetic appearance of a tooth and help protect and strengthen it from any further damage. They are most often made from ceramic or porcelain, and they are custom fabricated to match the color of the surrounding natural teeth. In some situations, metal or resin crowns might be used. However, metal crowns are usually expensive and are not used very often. A dental crown is usually placed on a broken tooth or a tooth that has had a root canal or damaged by tooth decay. Crowns are also used to support a dental bridge or to finish an implant.
Some Advantages of Ceramic Crowns
The primary benefit of a crown made totally from ceramic is the visual appearance. Ceramic crowns have the ability to match the reflective quality of natural teeth, allowing an all-ceramic crown to blend with surrounding teeth. In addition, a ceramic crown is more resistant to wear than other materials for longer lasting results.
An all-ceramic restoration is a popular and effective choice if you are seeking to restore the strength or the appearance of a tooth.
Yet another advantage of a ceramic crown is the fabrication process. Your dentist will have a working relationship with a dental lab who have years of specialized training and experience in the fabrication of ceramic restorations. The lab technicians can create a ceramic crown with highly precise contours that match the shape of your natural teeth.
The Disadvantages of Ceramic Crowns
Due to the complexity, a ceramic crown will take longer to fabricate than other types of dental crowns. Usually, you will need to visit your dentist twice to complete a ceramic crown treatment. Additional laboratory fees might also increase the overall cost. However, you will find the results outweigh the small difference in extra time and cost.
Ceramic crowns also need to be thicker than other materials to prevent them from breaking. This means your dentist must remove more of your natural tooth structure to accommodate the crown. Also, if a fracture occurs, an all-ceramic is more difficult to repair. If the crown does fracture, you most likely will need a new restoration. Your dentist and the lab will do their best to minimize these occurrences.
Are You a Candidate for a Ceramic Crown
A ceramic crown restoration is an effective choice if you are seeking to restore the strength and appearance of a tooth. A dental crown helps protect a tooth that has been affected by decay or damage and also to improve the integrity of your smile. But there are some situations that can affect your possibility for a ceramic crown, such as:
- Inadequate distance between teeth- A serious overbite or an erupted tooth can place added pressure on a crown, requiring a stronger material than ceramic.
- Clenching or grinding- The excessive force created by habits such as clenching or grinding can damage ceramic restorations.
Your dentist might recommend an alternate material to a ceramic crown for other reasons as well. But for most patients, a ceramic crown restoration can provide an attractive, strong solution for restoring their smiles.