Dental Crowns Peterborough
A crown, also called a cap, is a good way to cover teeth that are discoloured or badly shaped as well, or to cover a dental implant. A crown can make your tooth stronger and improve its appearance. A crown acts the same way as a tooth, so after your crowns are placed, you should treat it the same way as well. Continue to brush and floss regularly and see your dentist for regular checkups!
What Is A Dental Crown?
Metal Crowns
Metal crowns are comprised of gold or other alloys (mixtures). They are the most durable type of crown available and the least likely to wear down your opposing teeth. The downside of metal crowns is that they do not blend into your smile, so you may not want them on your most visible teeth.
Ceramic Crowns
Metal crowns are comprised of gold or other alloys (mixtures). They are the most durable type of crown available and the least likely to wear down your opposing teeth. The downside of metal crowns is that they do not blend into your smile, so you may not want them on your most visible teeth.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) crowns combine the qualities of ceramic and metal alloy crowns. With a porcelain exterior and a metal interior, these crowns are built for strength as well as looks. While boasting the best of both worlds, they also have drawbacks. The edge of the metal portion of the crown may become visible at your gum line, affecting its aesthetics. Additionally, the outer porcelain layer can wear down your other teeth or become damaged just like all-porcelain crowns.
Zirconia Crowns
Zirconia is a type of metal that is naturally tooth-coloured, making it a popular crown material for many dentists. Like other metal crowns, it is also extremely durable. Unfortunately, zirconia is neither as aesthetically pleasing as porcelain nor as easy on the teeth as metal alloys.
Procedure Overview
Once we have determined the best kind of crown for you, we will schedule two appointments for you. During the first appointment, the dentist prepares your tooth for your custom-made crown. At the second appointment, they will permanently place the crown.
Before the dentist can prepare your tooth for a crown, they will need to remove any tooth decay and perform fillings or root canals if necessary.
Next, they need to remove enough of your tooth enamel for the crown to fit over it. You will receive local anaesthesia to numb your tooth before the dentist begins to trim it down. The amount of tooth enamel that needs to be removed depends on which kind of crown you choose, with metal crowns requiring the least removal.
Once your tooth has been prepared, we will take an impression (mould) of your teeth. The dentist will carefully pull the gums away from the prepared tooth using a small cord. Then you will need to bite down on putty-filled trays for a few minutes. This putty mould is sent to a lab, which will create an aesthetic match of your damaged tooth to fit comfortably alongside your original teeth. If you are getting a ceramic, porcelain-fused-to-metal or zirconia crown, the lab will match your crown to the colour of your other teeth.
The final step of your first appointment is getting a temporary crown. The dentist needs to place a temporary crown over the prepared tooth in order to protect it from any damage while you wait for your next appointment.
When they find the right fit, they will permanently attach the crown with a bonding resin.
Dental crowns need to be treated with the same care as regular teeth. While the crown itself can’t decay, the tooth underneath it can. Regular brushing and flossing is essential to maximizing your crown’s lifespan. If properly cared for, a typical crown can last anywhere from 10 to 50 years!