How Do Dental Crowns Work?
Dental crowns are a permanent and long-lasting solution to completely cover or cap a damaged tooth, or to attach to the titanium post in the case of dental implants. They are cemented to the surrounding teeth and can only be removed by your dentist.
Why You Might Need a Dental Crown
Damaged or decayed teeth can benefit from a dental crown to replace the outer part of the tooth. Crowns are custom made to encase the damaged part of the tooth, or in many cases, the entire tooth, and can be made from gold, porcelain, or a combination of metal and porcelain. They can protect weak, damaged teeth, restore broken teeth and support teeth with large fillings. They can be modified to hold dental bridges in place if the existing teeth are too weak or unstable. Dental crowns are the best option for damaged and broken teeth because they, not only restore function to the teeth and jaw but blend in with your other teeth for a natural, undetectable look.
Full Gold Crowns
Full gold crowns are cast from a single piece of gold and last the longest, which makes them a great option for the heavy chewing duties of back molars. To keep costs down and make it stronger, gold crowns are mixed with other metals such as palladium, nickel or chromium. With good dental care, gold crowns can last for decades, but their gold colour means they stand out instead of looking natural, which is another reason to use them on back teeth.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns (PFM)
A PFM crown is the most common type of dental crown and gives the natural appearance of porcelain matched to the colour of your own teeth, with the underlying strength of metal, usually a gold alloy. They are still very strong but can have weak spots that chip or break more easily, and sometimes the underlying metal can be visible. They’re also known to wear down the opposing teeth. However, a well-maintained PFM can last longer than 15 years and is a great cost effective option.
Full Porcelain Crowns
The most natural-looking dental crown is the full porcelain crown. The latest technology has made porcelain crowns a more viable option because they can now be bonded to the sub-structure of the tooth without the use of metal. The custom-made crown is perfectly matched to the colour of your teeth, making an excellent choice for front teeth. No one will ever know it’s not your own. They can still wear down the opposing teeth but not as much as a PFM crown, and they require more of the original tooth to be removed because the porcelain needs to be quite thick for strength. They are also prone to fractures so need to be well-maintained by your dentist.
Dental Crowns West Auckland Residents Will Love
At Titirangi Dental, we can provide expert advice on our full range of dental crowns and dental services. West Auckland locals can place their trust in our dentists to save a damaged or decaying tooth and improve its look and feel. Call 09 817 6057 or contact us online for answers to all your questions and concerns about cosmetic dentistry for healthier teeth.
