Dental crown

Dental crowns are one of the most widely used restorative procedures in dentistry, used to restore the appearance and function of damaged teeth. If your teeth have been damaged by decay, fracture, or other factors, dental crowns can be a good solution to maintain your oral health. In this article, we will take a complete look at dental crowns, their types, advantages and disadvantages, installation procedures, and related costs.

What is a dental crown?

A dental crown is a protective covering placed over a tooth to prevent further damage and improve the appearance and function of the tooth. These crowns are usually made of durable materials such as ceramic, metal, or a combination of these, and are designed to match the color and shape of natural teeth.

Uses of dental crowns

• Covering cracked or broken teeth: Dental crowns can protect and strengthen damaged teeth.
• Repairing decayed teeth: When a tooth filling is not enough, a crown can be a suitable alternative.
• Strengthening Root Canal Teeth: Teeth that have undergone root canal treatment often require crowns.
• Dental aesthetics: To improve the appearance of teeth that are discolored or abnormally shaped.

Types of dental crowns

1. Ceramic (porcelain) veneer

Ceramic crowns are made of non-metallic materials and are commonly used for front teeth because of their close resemblance to natural teeth.

Advantages:

• Natural and beautiful appearance
• Suitable for people with metal allergies.
• Stain resistance

Disadvantages:

• More fragile than metal veneers
• Higher cost than some options

2. Metal cladding

These types of crowns are made from various metals such as gold, nickel, or other alloys and are suitable for back teeth due to their high strength.

Advantages:

• High durability and longevity
• Requires less tooth tissue removal

Disadvantages:

• Unnatural appearance
• Possible allergic reaction in some people

3. Ceramic-Metal Veneers (PFM)

PFM crowns are a combination of metal and ceramic, offering the natural appearance of ceramic and the durability of metal.

Advantages:

• Combining beauty and strength
• Suitable for front and back teeth

Disadvantages:

• Possibility of ceramic layer detachment
• Dark lines on the gum line

4. Zirconia veneer

These types of crowns are made from a material called zirconia, which is very durable and beautiful.

Advantages:

• High resistance
• Natural appearance
• High biocompatibility

Disadvantages:

• High cost
• More difficult construction steps

Steps for installing dental crowns

1. Consultation and examination

In the first step, the dentist examines the damaged tooth and selects the appropriate type of crown.

2. Tooth preparation

The dentist will cut away parts of the tooth to make room for the crown to be placed. If the tooth is severely damaged, a base may need to be made to support the crown.

3. Molding

After the tooth is prepared, an impression is taken of the teeth to create a crown that fits your teeth exactly.

4. Installing a temporary veneer

A temporary crown is placed on the tooth until the final crown is ready.

5. Install the final coating

Once the crown is prepared, the dentist attaches it to the tooth using a special adhesive.

Advantages and disadvantages of dental crowns

Advantages:

• Improving the appearance of teeth
• Strengthening weak teeth
• Prevent further damage to the tooth
• Durability and long-term durability

Disadvantages:

• Relatively high cost
• Need to shave parts of the tooth
• Possibility of allergy to the materials used

Dental crown cost

Factors affecting cost:

1. Veneer type: ceramic, metal or zirconia
2. Geographic location: Dental costs vary in different regions.
3. Dentist’s expertise: The dentist’s skill and experience can affect the cost.

Price range:

• Ceramic veneer: 5 to 10 million Tomans
• Metal cladding: 4 to 8 million Tomans
• Zirconia veneer: 8 to 15 million Tomans

Care tips after dental crown installation

1. Maintaining oral hygiene

Brushing and flossing daily is essential to prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar.

2. Avoid hard foods

To prevent cracking or damaging the veneer, avoid biting hard foods.

3. Regular dental checkups

Visit your dentist regularly to ensure the health of your crown and the teeth underneath.

Conclusion

Dental crowns are an efficient and effective solution for restoring damaged teeth and improving the beauty of your smile. By choosing the right type of crown and following the care tips, you can enjoy its durability and optimal performance. For the best results, be sure to visit an experienced dentist.