A dental crown is a prosthetic device that covers and protects a tooth. There are several types of dental crowns. These include dentin-colored zirconia, metal, and porcelain-fused-to-ceramic. While the former has many benefits, the latter has some disadvantages. In this article, we will discuss the different types and the pros and cons of each. The process of dental crown making begins with a consultation with your dentist.
First, your dentist will numb the area around your natural tooth. Then, he will prepare the tooth with a material that is the right shade for the new crown. Next, he will take impressions of both the upper and lower dental arches. Once the impressions are complete, a dental laboratory will use these models to create the new crown. The process takes between 15 minutes and an hour, depending on the type of crown.
Another consideration is whether or not you have any natural tooth structure in the center. A solid core in the centre of the tooth provides stability for the crown. Without this natural core, the crown may become loose or dislodged over time. Reasons for diminished natural tooth structure include decay, fracture, previous filling, and root canal treatment. The dentist will determine whether or not the patient can tolerate the temporary crown. Then, at the second visit, the permanent crown will be fitted.
The pros and cons of different types of dental crowns will depend on the type of tooth that needs one. Porcelain is generally the best choice for the front teeth, since it is more durable than traditional metal fillings. A porcelain crown can also wrap the entire tooth, giving it more strength and durability. Sometimes, a post-and-core will be used before the crown is cemented in place. During the first appointment, you may have to wear a temporary crown for the first few weeks.
The design of a dental crown involves both art and science. In order to properly mimic the anatomical structure of the tooth, a dentist must carefully study and examine the natural tooth before beginning the procedure. The preparation must be parallel with the walls of the tooth, but that is almost impossible to do clinically. To compensate for any inaccuracies in the fabrication of the crown, the overall prep has a taper of about four to six degrees.
Another benefit of a dental crown is that it mimics the entire visible portion of a tooth. Because it looks like a cap, the crown is designed to fit securely over the damaged tooth. It also prevents bacteria from reaching the weak tooth structure. A dental crown also contains a rubber dam, which helps trap debris and old filling material inside the tooth and prevents debris from falling into the mouth. The pros and cons of a dental crown procedure are numerous.
Metal crowns come in two types: metal and porcelain. Metal crowns have many advantages over porcelain crowns, but they have some disadvantages, as metal has an opaque appearance. As a result, they require more tooth structure than gold crowns and are not as resistant to heavy forces. They also require less dental hygiene than gold crowns, and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns have a long-lasting and durable bond with the tooth.
