Learn about Cosmetic Dental Crowns and What is the Expected Lifespan of Dental Crowns?

Cosmetic Dental Crowns, Many people resort to dental cosmetic procedures and treatments depending on the health problem they are suffering from or the cosmetic purpose they desire. The following article will discuss one of the most important dental cosmetic procedures, which is widely used, namely cosmetic dental crowns. So, follow us to learn about their most important advantages and disadvantages.

Cosmetic Dental Crowns

Cosmetic dental crowns help one achieve a healthy mouth and enjoy a bright smile and teeth free from cavities and problems. Therefore, many people have recently been inclined towards dental cosmetic procedures, cosmetic treatments, and using modern techniques. Crowns are one of the effective solutions in treating fractures, cracks, and covering dental implants, which is what we will learn about in more detail in the following paragraphs.

“The Dental Center offers you many distinguished treatments of cosmetic dental crowns, so do not hesitate to contact us.”

What are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns, also known as tooth coverings or tooth caps, are a cosmetic procedure aimed at treating problems resulting from tooth decay, fractures, or loss of part of the tooth. This is done to restore the natural function of the teeth and preserve the remaining teeth from erosion and damage. It is a technique that has existed for a long time and is not new. In fact, a number of golden crowns have been found inside Pharaonic tombs during excavations, which indicates that they were used in ancient times, but they have evolved with medical advances in terms of the method and materials used in their manufacture. If you want to learn about other dental cosmetic procedures, read this article.

The Purpose of Getting Dental Crowns

Getting a dental crown has many advantages and benefits, which we will learn about in more detail in the following paragraphs:

• Cosmetic Appearance: There is no doubt that dental crowns help repair problems and damage to teeth, making them look unsightly. Therefore, they help make teeth look attractive and flawless, providing greater comfort for the patient and making them feel that they are very similar to natural teeth, thanks to the use of advanced techniques and methods.
• Protection and Support: Dental crowns play a significant role in protecting weak, broken, and decayed teeth, as well as providing support and stabilization for cracked teeth.
• Repairing Fractures: Dental crowns help restore broken and damaged teeth due to erosion caused by certain medical conditions or accidents.
• Securing Bridges: The importance of artificial dental crowns in securing dental bridges has been proven, as the dentist uses the tooth crown to help secure the dental bridge in place.
• Cosmetic Coverage: The dentist uses dental crowns to cover missing teeth or those with severe deformities or incomplete growth, which can occur due to smoking or calcium deficiency, as well as covering dental implants.

Disadvantages of Dental Crowns

There are some disadvantages of dental crowns, which we will explain as follows:

1.  Contamination due to improper cleaning and sterilization, which can lead to gum inflammation.
2.  Breakage can occur in less durable types.
3.  Allergy may occur due to the materials used in making the crowns.
4. Erosion and loss of the adhesive material, which can cause the crown to move or even fall out.

Types of Cosmetic Dental Crowns

There are more than one type of cosmetic dental crown, which we will learn about in the following paragraphs, along with some information about each type:

Stainless Steel Crowns

This type is used in cases of permanent tooth damage, and it is one of the temporary measures to protect the tooth. However, the tooth crown is made of various other materials in addition to the widely used stainless steel crown for children. In this case, the dental crown acts as a protective barrier to prevent the decay and damage that affects the teeth. During the period when the temporary tooth is loosening to fall out, the crown helps the permanent tooth to emerge naturally with it. One of the main reasons for using this type of crown in children is that it does not require frequent visits to the dentist, making it cost-effective and highly efficient.

Types of Metals Used: The metals used in this type of crown include alloys containing a high percentage of gold or platinum, or base metal alloys such as cobalt-chromium or nickel-chromium alloys.

Advantages: These crowns last for a long time and resist erosion factors. They also withstand chewing forces well and are difficult to break.

Disadvantages: Their metallic color is the main drawback, and to overcome this problem, it is best to use them for posterior teeth that are less visible.

Porcelain and Ceramic

Porcelain teeth make the teeth look very natural, unlike any other type of crown. Additionally, they are highly suitable for people with metal allergies and can be used for both anterior and posterior teeth.

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM)

This type combines the advantages of metal crowns, such as durability, hardness, and erosion resistance, with the advantages of porcelain or ceramic, which have a natural appearance similar to natural teeth in terms of color and shape. However, their drawback is the appearance of a dark metal line along the gum line, which is more visible in cases of gum recession.

Resin

Resin-fused crowns are more cost-effective than other types of crowns, but one of their main disadvantages is that they are more prone to rapid damage and breakage compared to porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns.

Temporary Crowns

These are one type of dental crown made of solid materials such as acrylic or stainless steel. This type is usually fabricated and installed in the dentist’s office without the need for prior preparation. They are used as a temporary solution until the permanent crowns are installed.

The Cost of Dental Crowns

It is impossible to provide a fixed price for dental crowns, as there are several factors that significantly affect the cost, including:

• The quality of materials used in manufacturing the crowns.
•  The skill, expertise, years of experience of the dentist, and the reputation and hygiene standards of the medical center.
• The type of crowns used, whether temporary or permanent.
•  The number of sessions required by the patient, as well as the health condition of the teeth and gums.
•  Price variations between different regions and countries.

If you want to know the exact price, contact one of the best medical centers, The Dental Center, to learn about the available services, prices, offers, and discounts. You can contact them by clicking on this link.

Steps for Installing Dental Crowns

The installation of dental crowns is a process that takes place in three main stages, which we will discuss in more detail in the following paragraphs:

Step One: Diagnosis and X-rays

Initially, the dentist will request a full dental X-ray or panoramic X-ray of the tooth before starting the crown procedure. This is to assess the health condition of the tooth and root and ensure their integrity, as well as to detect if any medical procedures, such as cavity fillings, antibiotics, or anti-inflammatory medications, need to be performed before proceeding. Additionally, any calculus buildup on the tooth surface will be removed.

Step Two: Taking Tooth Measurements and Dimensions

After completing the first step, the dentist takes measurements and dimensions of the tooth using a solid mold containing a pliable, semi-liquid material that solidifies over time due to heat. This helps create a model that precisely matches the dimensions, protrusions, and sizes of the teeth.

Step Three: Installing the Crown or Cap

This is the final step where the dentist administers a local anesthetic to the patient and then shapes the original tooth from multiple angles to perfectly fit the dimensions of the newly made crown. The dentist then secures the new crown using an adhesive material. This process usually takes place over several sessions, not just one.

What are the Potential Problems with Dental Crowns?

Despite the many benefits offered by dental crowns, there are some potential problems that we will explain in the following points:

• Severe Pain: The patient usually experiences pain as the anesthetic wears off, which lasts for a few hours. This pain can be alleviated by taking mild painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol. If the nerve is preserved, the patient may experience sensitivity to heat and cold, in which case the dentist will recommend using a desensitizing toothpaste. Pain may also occur due to biting or chewing if the crown is higher than the normal level, and it is best to revisit the dentist to find a solution.
• Breakage: This is a common problem that occurs with porcelain and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, as they can be thin and brittle when chewing hard foods. Minor breakage can be repaired using resin, while significant damage requires complete replacement.
• Contamination: In some cases, the adhesive material securing the crown may shrink, allowing food debris to accumulate underneath, creating an environment suitable for fungal and bacterial growth, leading to infections, abscesses, and cavities. It is important to visit the dentist to have the crown re-secured properly.
• Crown Dislodgement: This occurs when the adhesive material supporting the crown erodes. In this case, it is important to clean the crown and the original tooth thoroughly, and then consult with the dentist to provide important information and undergo an examination.
• Allergic Reaction: This is a rare occurrence and usually appears due to the metals used in metal or porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns.
• Dark Lines at the Gum Line: This is a cosmetic problem that appears as a thin dark line along the gum line, typically seen in porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. However, this is only a cosmetic issue.

What is the Expected Lifespan of Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are one of the procedures that have a long expected lifespan, ranging from 10 to 15 years. However, the expected lifespan depends on the amount of damage the crown sustains and the patient’s oral hygiene and personal habits. Therefore, if you want to extend the expected lifespan of the crown, you should maintain its cleanliness and avoid harmful habits such as chewing ice, biting nails, using teeth to open containers, or consuming extremely hot and cold beverages consecutively.

“Dental crowns provide you with the best possible treatments for your teeth, only with the The Dental Center.”