Blog

Dental crowns are custom-made, tooth-shaped caps placed over damaged, decayed, or weakened teeth to restore their shape, size, strength, and appearance. They fully encase the visible portion of the tooth above the gum line, providing protection and structural support. Dental crowns are often used to cover a tooth that has undergone a root canal, to protect a cracked or worn tooth, to restore a severely decayed tooth, or to enhance the appearance of a discolored or misshapen tooth. Made from materials like porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination, crowns are designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, ensuring both functionality and aesthetics. They play a crucial role in maintaining oral health by preventing further damage to the tooth, improving bite function, and contributing to a confident smile.

The Different Types of Dental Crowns

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns

Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns combine the strength of a metal structure with the natural appearance of porcelain. These crowns have a durable metal base, while the porcelain overlay offers a natural tooth-like appearance. PFM crowns are strong and aesthetically pleasing, making them a popular choice for both front and back teeth, although the metal underneath may sometimes show as a dark line at the gum line.

All-Ceramic or All-Porcelain Crowns

All ceramic or all-porcelain crowns are known for their superior aesthetics, making them ideal for restoring front teeth. These crowns are made entirely of ceramic or porcelain, providing a natural, tooth-colored appearance that blends seamlessly with surrounding teeth. While they offer excellent aesthetics, metal-based crowns may be stronger, so they are best suited for areas of the mouth with less biting force.

Metal Crowns

Metal crowns are made from alloys containing gold, platinum, or base metals like nickel or chromium. They are highly durable and resistant to wear, making them an excellent choice for molars that endure heavy chewing forces. However, due to their metallic color, they are less commonly used in visible areas of the mouth. Metal crowns are valued for their strength and longevity, often lasting the longest among all crown types.

Composite Resin Crowns

Composite resin crowns are made from a tooth-colored composite material. While they are less expensive than other types of crowns, they may need to be more durable and long-lasting. Composite resin crowns are typically used as a temporary solution or in cases where cost is a major concern. They provide a reasonable aesthetic result but may require more frequent replacement than other crown materials.

The Impact of Dental Crowns on Your Smile's Appearance

• Dental crowns in Edmonton, AB, effectively restore damaged or misshapen teeth' natural shape and size, contributing to a more balanced and harmonious smile.

• Crowns can be color-matched to your surrounding teeth, ensuring a seamless blend with your natural smile. They also offer an opportunity to brighten discolored teeth.

• Crowns can cover a wide range of dental imperfections, such as chips, cracks, or large fillings, enhancing the overall appearance of your smile.

• Crowns help create a more symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing smile by restoring teeth to their ideal size and shape.

• With a well-crafted dental crown, you can smile confidently, knowing your teeth look natural and healthy.

• Dental crowns can give teeth of different shapes or sizes a consistent appearance, resulting in a more uniform and attractive smile.

• While primarily restorative, crowns can also improve the appearance of slightly misaligned teeth, contributing to a straighter-looking smile.

• Crowns can help maintain the alignment of adjacent teeth, preventing them from shifting and affecting the overall appearance of your smile.

Process of Getting a Dental Crown

Getting a dental crown typically begins with an initial consultation and examination, where our dentist in Edmonton, AB, evaluates the tooth that requires restoration. X-rays may be taken to assess the tooth's roots and surrounding bone, ensuring no underlying issues like decay or infection need to be addressed before the crown is placed. If the tooth is severely decayed or damaged, our dentist may recommend a root canal treatment to remove the infected tissue inside the tooth before proceeding with the crown.

Once our dentist confirms that a crown is the best option, the tooth is prepared by removing a small amount of its outer structure to create space for the crown. This step is essential to ensure the crown fits appropriately and aligns with your bite. If a significant portion of the tooth is missing, a filling material may be used to build up the tooth's structure so that the crown can be securely placed. After the tooth is prepared, an impression or digital scan is taken to create an accurate model of the tooth and the surrounding teeth. This model is then sent to a dental laboratory, where your custom crown is crafted to match your natural teeth' exact size, shape, and color.

During the waiting period for the permanent crown, which typically takes one to two weeks, a temporary crown is placed over the prepared tooth to protect it. The temporary crown is usually made of acrylic or composite resin and is designed to be easily removed once the permanent crown is ready. The temporary crown is removed at your second appointment, and the permanent crown is fitted and adjusted for a precise fit. Our dentist will check your bite to ensure the crown aligns correctly with the opposing teeth. Once everything is in place, the crown is permanently cemented onto the prepared tooth, restoring its function and appearance. With proper care, including good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, your dental crown can last many years, providing a durable and aesthetically pleasing solution to your dental needs. Contact us to learn more.

A dental crown can provide the protection and enhancement you need if you have a damaged, decayed, or weakened tooth. Visit Legacy Dental Clinic at 4224 Gateway Blvd NW, Edmonton, AB, Canada 060701, or call (825) 467-8888 to schedule your consultation and discover how a dental crown can transform your smile.