When Do You Need a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is one of the best options to significantly improve the long term survival of damaged teeth. Some of the situations in which we may recommend a dental crown include:
● Weakened teeth
● Crooked teeth
● Cracked Teeth
● Discoloured Teeth
Dental crowns can also be placed on top of a dental implant to create a natural-looking and functioning tooth replacement.
How Long Does a Dental Crown Last?
A dental crown generally has a minimum lifespan of 15 years but this usually depends on how the crown was inserted and the proper aftercare.
The finishing and the end result of your crown is determined by the quality of the tooth preparation. In other words, it is what you don’t see underneath the crown that matters. This will have a direct impact on the longevity of your crown. The key is taking the time to prepare the tooth as minimally and smoothly as possible while at the same time designing a good height of the tooth base. Let’s explore each of these factors.
- Minimal tooth preparation will maximise the strength of the underlying tooth base that the crown holds onto, helping reduce the risk of the tooth base fracturing in the future. If the tooth base gives way and fractures down the track, then the crown fails.
- Preparing the tooth smoothly ensures a more precision fitted crown, allowing easier and more thorough cleaning because plaque won’t trap as easily at the edges of the crown. This significantly reduces the risk of further decay and will allow you to keep the gums around your crown as healthy as possible.
- By designing a good height at the tooth base gives the crown more tooth to grab onto so the crown doesn’t fall off. Patients think it is all about the strength of the cement (glue) connecting the crown to the underlying tooth base but the height of the tooth base is more important.
- Not all crowns are created equal. Taking the time to meet these parameters means our crowns are not the cheapest, but it will ensure long life performance of your crown.
We always conduct a comprehensive diagnosis, factoring in the condition of your teeth, medical history and oral requirements before recommending treatments. This allows you to make an informed decision before opting for any procedure or treatment. Our gentle dentists also provide aftercare instructions to ensure you’re able to maintain your dental crown and oral health at home.
Types of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are made of different materials, and the one you choose depends on your oral and aesthetic needs and budget. Some of the different crown materials include:
All-Ceramic dental crowns
Zirconia crowns are an all-ceramic alternative to traditional metal crowns that provide excellent aesthetic results. In the past, all-ceramic crowns were not as strong and were mainly used on front teeth. However, with the latest technology, zirconia crowns can now overcome the strength issue while delivering exceptional appearance and durability.
Porcelain fused to metal
These are crowns with metal on the inside and porcelain baked on the outside. The metal gives the crown strength, and the porcelain provides aesthetics by matching your existing teeth colour.
Gold Crowns
Gold crowns are highly durable and can withstand years of biting and chewing. They last longer than other crowns but are the most expensive. Gold crowns also don’t match your natural teeth colour and are usually considered for those teeth that are less visible such as the back of your mouth.
Local Bayside Dentists Who Put You First
Our Bayside family dental clinic uses the latest dental technology and techniques to deliver modern dental care of the highest standards. We don’t outsource our laboratory work overseas. This ensures we have complete control over the quality of the crowns to deliver a flawless and superior finish.
If you’re considering a dental crown, our friendly Bayside dental team can answer any questions you may have about the procedure. Contact us today to start your journey towards optimum oral health.
