Dental crowns, also referred to as tooth crowns, are a cover or “cap” that a dentist will put over a tooth to restore the tooth to its normal shape, size, and function. A crown can also make the tooth stronger or improve the way it looks.
Dental crowns work well for teeth that have become damaged due to injury or large areas of decay, or in cases where old metal fillings have broken the tooth structure down.
We offer various options for crown materials, such as ceramic, zirconia, or gold. The choice of material depends on the clinical situation, and your different needs or wants.
Porcelain is the most popular material for dental crowns! You can opt for ceramic for any one of your teeth because they are easily blended to look like your natural teeth. Further, patients who may have allergies to metal alloys should always opt for porcelain. You can prevent increasing decay by topping off a damaged tooth with a ceramic cap.
Stainless steel is typically used to create temporary dental crowns. These temporary crowns are prefabricated and attached for a short time while the dentist places the order for your customized dental crown. Stainless steel is preferred for kids since they are more economical. You won’t need to make frequent trips to the dentist and caring for these crowns is easy.
These crowns have a base of metal or zirconia with a topping of porcelain. You can opt for these crowns to repair the front or back teeth. Since the visible portion is made with ceramic, you can get them to match the natural color and overall appearance of your natural teeth. We may also suggest opting for this type of crown if you need a bridge because the metal base adds strength to the treatment and lowers the chances of chips and breakage. The only downside is that the metal section could be visible when you speak.
Metallic crowns are a great option for molars or the teeth at the back of your mouth. Metal is strong and resists chipping and cracking even if you eat hard foods. For this reason, the treatment is likely to last you longer than regular porcelain. Most metallic caps are made with alloys or a mix of metals including gold, platinum, and nickel-chromium, or chromium-cobalt. The main downside of metal dental crowns is that they are more expensive as compared to other options and can erode your teeth over time.
If you’re looking for the most economical option for dental crowns, your dentist might suggest resin crowns made out of acrylic polymer resins or silicon dioxide, also known as composite resins. Many dentists use this material for fillings since they look similar to the natural tooth and blend perfectly well into the overall dental structure. The only downside is that resin tends to wear away faster than ceramic, so you may need replacements within a shorter time.
Our dental crown procedure depends on the number of crowns you require, cosmetics, and function. For example, if you require individual crowns these are usually created in one visit with CEREC technology. If you require a more complicated crown or multiple crowns, then a mold is taken of the prepared tooth and sent to one of our laboratories for construction. During the time between the mold making and the fitting of the crown, you will have a temporary crown placed.
Here is what you can expect during your overall dental crown procedure:
We begin by examining the tooth that needs the crown (or cap), checking for signs of tooth decay. If needed, X-rays may be taken to evaluate the condition of the pulp and root. The integrity of the bone surrounding the tooth is also a factor under consideration. Depending on cavities or infection, a root canal may be needed.
Dental crowns are manufactured at a specialist lab according to the scans the technicians receive from us. They can take around two to three weeks to create the crown out of porcelain or any other material you may have chosen. We’ll discuss the options and make sure that the new crown matches the shape and structure of your other teeth. This includes checking for the perfect colour and texture before placing the order. Once the crown is ready, you’ll receive a call from our clinic for you to come in and get the crown placed.
When you’re ready for the crown, we begin by numbing the affected tooth and gum tissue surrounding it. Next, we’ll trim the top and sides of the tooth to make adequate space for the crown. If more of the tooth has worn away as a result of severe decay, a filling is placed on the surface to add volume to the damaged tooth so that the crown fits perfectly.
Once the tooth is ready, we may use dental putty or paste to get an impression of the tooth stub. We’ll also take impressions of the upper and lower jaws to get a better understanding of your dental structure. This step is essential to prevent a misaligned bite!
Most patients don’t require anesthesia for inserting a dental crown. However, if needed, you’ll receive a local numbing agent to keep you comfortable. Next, using special cement, we’ll carefully place the crown in position and allow it to set. We may also make minor alterations so that the new tooth fits and has the necessary cusp for eating normally.
Porcelain Crowns can strengthen and beautifully restore teeth damaged by trauma and decay.
Book Your Free ConsultationThe dental treatment that may work best for you will depend on several factors, including the level of enamel and tooth structure damage that needs repairing. White fillings are most often used for small to medium areas of decay or damage, while porcelain crowns are preferable for larger tooth issues that have actually weakened a tooth. To discuss your smile improvement options, schedule a consultation with us today.
Most often, the teeth that require crowns are damaged teeth that may be susceptible to more severe damage without treatment. Individuals with large areas of tooth decay, weakened teeth, and other fundamental tooth problems can benefit from porcelain crowns. Patients with worn teeth due to grinding or neuromuscular misalignment may need crown placement as well. Crowns may also be anchored to teeth in a fixed bridge.
Porcelain crowns are strong and generally last for about 10 years. It is important that the patient practice good oral hygiene and visit us at least twice a year to ensure the tooth and crown remain in good condition. If a crown comes loose or becomes damaged, please notify our office immediately for correction.
One of the things Dr. Silver has learned during her time in both family dentistry and cosmetic dentistry is that a one-size-fits-all approach is not wise. This is particularly true for dental procedures and equipment. When installing your porcelain crown, we will have a crown fitted especially for you!
We will take a mold of your tooth and send it to our lab. There, we will craft a crown that is fabricated with your specific measurements and needs in mind.
An approximate cost for a single dental crown is $1,300. This cost varies depending on the number of crowns needed and the material used.
Dr. Jennifer Silver has been using dental crowns to restore smiles in Calgary for the past 15 years! She never takes the one size fits all approach — every crown is crafted using a custom mold and fabricated to match your mouth’s specific measurements. If you’re looking to restore your smile, book your free consultation with Dr. Silver today!
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