Dental Crowns Explained
Posted on: 29 August 2016
Dental crowns are an effective way to aesthetically treat damaged or crooked teeth that have been the subject of plaque, tartar, gum disease or impact. Crowns are essentially covers that fit over the tooth and are fixed in place with a special adhesive. Various consultations are required to discuss the material that you wish to use, and to colour match the crown with your existing teeth. It's important to discuss any crown with a qualified dentist beforehand as the procedure differs depending on the type of crown used, but also there are some long-term implications that are involved and need to be considered.
Preparation
To prepare for a crown the dentist is required to assess your mouth and establish how many you wish to have, and get an idea of what shape the crown will take. He or she will first remove the outer layer of your tooth to ensure that the crown does not naturally protrude from your mouth. Clearly this is a permanent reshaping of the original tooth and must be taken into consideration. Secondly a mold will be taken of your mouth; usually you are given a special type of putty and are required to bite down firmly. The impression left in the putty will help the dentist establish how you bite down and how best to avoid unnecessary grinding and erosion of the crown to prolong its life. Finally the finished mold is given to a dental technician who will create the crown and ensure the colour and shape match your own teeth.
Materials
Different materials are available depending on your budget, but crowns are usually made from porcelain or ceramic. The lifespan of each material varies as well, and is very much dependent on maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding overly hard foods that could damage or dislodge the crown. Porcelain crowns may last anywhere from five to twenty years and beyond, whereas ceramic crowns are less durable. It really does depend on too may different variables to be able to give an accurate indication.
Cost
The cost can vary dramatically, but it can generally range from $1100 - $1500 per crown, which may or may not include other dental fees such as check-ups, consultations or repairs. However, some dental practices are happy to offer finance options that allow people to enjoy having a brilliant smile without the burden of paying large fees all in one go.
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