Crowning Your Dental Appearance
Posted on: 24 March 2021
Do you need a crown? The type of crown being referred to here goes in your mouth rather than on your head. Dental crowns provide much-needed support that enhances both the appearance and health of your mouth. For more facts about dental crowns, read on.
1. Crowns are used to stabilize teeth that have cracks and chips. Also, after a root canal procedure, the natural tooth may be weak and too thin to handle the day-to-day wear and tear that happens as we chew.
2. Some teeth call for a crown when they are misshapen or stained. A crown can both correct and make more attractive teeth that are less than perfect. For example, a lot of your natural tooth could be lost if you've had a badly decayed tooth. A crown allows the dentist to place a cap on your natural tooth that looks just like the tooth you used to have before decay struck.
3. Crowns are also known as caps and that name tends to be a bit more explanatory. Caps literally fit over your existing natural tooth. Crowns are not temporary solutions, however, they are meant to last a very long time and be as strong, if not stronger, than your natural tooth.
4. Crowns can be made of a variety of materials that offer a range of appearance, budget, and stability options. When the crown is meant to cover a highly-visible tooth, considerations for the shape and color are naturally more important than one meant to cover a back tooth.
5. Before a crown can be placed, the teeth underneath must be made healthy. That means removing decay and, sometimes, a root canal must be performed. Once any swelling and irritation from those procedures have calmed down, the process to create your crown can begin.
6. You can expect your crown to take up two or more dental visits. The first visit will be spent shaping your natural tooth so that it will provide a smooth and even surface for the crown to adhere to. Then, an impression is done so that the crown can be made in a dental lab. Many dental offices now use special cameras to map your mouth. That can mean no more messy impressions and a more precise fit for your crown.
7. You may be fitted with a temporary crown while you wait for the permanent one to be made ready. Be careful with your temporary crown, however. Follow your dentist's instructions about eating hard or crunchy foods while the temp is in place. Some dentists, however, offer to do the entire procedure in one day.
8. When your permanent crown is ready, be sure to examine the way it feels and looks and communicate any concerns with your dentist. Crowns can be shaped and adjusted after they are applied. To find out more about your very own crown, speak to your dentist.
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