Dental crowns
We all dream of a beautiful, bright smile that makes us younger, more attractive and more self-confident.
Dental crowns
Everyone dreams of having a beautiful, bright smile that enhances youthfulness, attractiveness, and self-confidence. However, achieving this can be challenging when dental issues arise, particularly with the front teeth, such as cavities, discoloration, or fractures. Maintaining a healthy mouth is essential for achieving the desired smile. Dental crowns offer an effective solution, providing both restorative and cosmetic benefits. Let’s explore this technique more below.
Article Contents
- What Are Dental Crowns?
- Types of Dental Crowns
- Steps to Install Dental Crowns
- Advantages of Dental Crowns
- Drawbacks of Dental Crowns
- Lifespan of Dental Crowns
- How to Remove Dental Crowns
- Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Crowns
What are dental crowns?
Dental crowns stand out as one of the most advanced and widely used techniques for addressing and enhancing teeth affected by issues like discoloration, cavities, fractures, and erosion. These crowns act like a protective cover, shielding the teeth from external damage.
Types of dental crowns
Dental crowns vary based on the materials used in their construction, including:
- Metal Crowns: Made from materials like nickel-chromium alloys, cobalt-chromium alloys, and alloys containing platinum or gold, these crowns offer excellent durability.
- Resin Crowns: Resin crowns are the most cost-effective option but lack durability and wear resistance compared to other types.
- Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns: Combining porcelain and metal, these crowns provide the hardness and durability of metals with the natural, tooth-like appearance of porcelain.
- Porcelain and Ceramic Crowns: These crowns are highly popular due to their natural color, shape, and comfortable fit, making them an excellent choice for most individuals.
- Temporary Crowns: Typically made from materials like stainless steel or acrylic, temporary crowns serve as short-term solutions until permanent crowns are ready.
Steps followed to install dental crowns
The process of installing dental crowns involves several stages:
- Initial Examination: The dentist performs a comprehensive mouth examination, including tests and X-rays, to determine if the patient is suitable for the procedure. This step also assesses the condition of the teeth and identifies any necessary preparations.
- Taking Measurements: Once the patient’s oral health is confirmed, the dentist takes precise measurements for the dental crown and schedules the installation session.
- Preparation of the Tooth: During the scheduled session, the patient receives local anesthesia, and the dentist sculpts the tooth to match the crown’s measurements. This process may require multiple sessions, depending on the case.
- Crown Placement: In the final stage, the dentist securely attaches the crown using adhesive materials, completing the procedure.
Features of dental crowns
Dental crowns offer several features that align with their intended purpose, including:
- Protection for Weak Teeth: Dental crowns protect weak teeth with gaps or fractures, preventing further damage or tooth loss. This provides the necessary strength and resistance for long-term oral health.
- Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal: From a cosmetic perspective, crowns restore the natural and attractive appearance of teeth. They replace missing parts and, when paired with cleaning and whitening treatments, create a bright and polished look. Crowns also correct deformities caused by various dental issues.
- Support for Dental Bridges: Dental crowns stabilize and support artificial bridges, enhancing their durability and ensuring they remain securely in place.
Disadvantages and risks of dental crowns
- Pain After the Procedure: As the local anesthesia wears off, some pain may persist for several hours. However, this discomfort can be managed effectively with appropriate pain relievers.
- Risk of Contamination: Poor cleaning and sterilization of the mouth or tools can lead to gingivitis and other complications. Maintaining proper hygiene is crucial during the process.
- Crown Fractures: Crowns made from less durable materials are more prone to fractures, especially under heavy pressure.
- Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may experience allergies to the materials used in dental crowns, with symptoms varying between cases.
- Adhesive Erosion: Over time, the adhesive material holding the crown may erode, causing the crown to loosen or fall out. If this occurs, both the natural tooth and the crown should be kept clean to prevent complications until a dentist can address the issue.
Visual life of dental crowns
Similar to other therapeutic and cosmetic dental solutions, the lifespan of dental crowns typically ranges from 10 to 15 years. With regular cleanings and the avoidance of harmful habits, they can last up to 25 years.
How to remove dental crowns
You may wonder whether it’s possible to remove dental crowns and how the process works. Removing dental crowns should always be done by a dentist in several stages, carefully attempting to remove the adhesive material and detach the crown.
Frequently asked questions about dental crowns
Can Dental Crowns Be Installed for Children?
Yes, dental crowns can be used for children’s baby teeth in cases of decay, fractures, or severe damage.
What causes dental crowns to break?
The factors that can cause tooth fractures include:
- Unhealthy eating habits, such as biting down on hard objects.
- Direct impact on the area where the crown is installed.
- Strong blows to the face.
- Poor dental hygiene and exposure to environmental pollutants.
Does dental crowns cause bad breath?
Bad breath is commonly noticed in individuals undergoing dental implants or restorations, including dental crowns. However, this odor usually doesn’t originate from the crowns or implants themselves. It often results from neglecting regular oral hygiene, which can lead to issues with the gums and dry mouth. Additionally, other conditions, such as infections or sinusitis, may contribute to bad breath during or after dental procedures.
Can dental crowns be removed at home?
No, dental crowns should not be removed at home, as doing so could lead to uncontrollable bleeding.
Dental crown prices
The cost of dental crowns varies based on factors like region, country, specific case, and type of crown. Gold metal crowns tend to be the most expensive, followed by those made from a combination of metals and porcelain. Below are the average prices for dental crown installation in different regions:
- In the UAE, dental crown prices range from 850 to 2000 dirhams.
- In the USA, prices range from 900 to 1700 dollars.
- In Turkey, the cost ranges from 360 to 700 dollars.
- In Saudi Arabia, prices range from 450 to 1000 riyals.
- In Egypt, dental crowns cost between 2000 and 4000 pounds.
