A crown replaces an extensive tooth defect and completely covers the tooth. It is the choice of treatment where it is no longer possible to make a filling, inlay, or only for the extensive loss of dental tissues and more extensive damage to the teeth.

Dental crowns are like caps placed on your teeth in the color of your teeth, which fit over damaged teeth to restore their natural function, shape, and appearance.

Crowns are made from several types of materials – metal, ceramic, porcelain, or composite resin.

The choice of materials depends on whether one tooth or several teeth will be treated, whether it will be a bridge, and where the teeth will be treated. The result should be an ideal-looking tooth or set of teeth.

The problematic tooth is ground in the first step, and impressions are taken. In the repair process, the patient’s tooth is protected by a temporary resin crown, with which he can function normally without being noticed by those around him. A permanent crown then replaces it.

What are dental crowns?

In dentistry, the crown forms the tooth’s surface, which is covered with enamel. When the surface of a natural tooth breaks, chips, or breaks off, an artificial dental crown is placed to prevent further damage.

A dental crown is often placed after a root canal procedure or dental implant. Dental technicians custom-make crowns to ensure they fit correctly next to the patient’s surrounding natural teeth.

To determine the best option, the dentist will consider the following factors:

  • Location and function of the tooth

  • Position of gum tissue and gum line

  • How many teeth are visible when smiling

  • Colors and shades of surrounding teeth

  • Any evidence of clenching or grinding of the teeth, which determines the crown material used

Advantages and disadvantages of dental crowns

Crowns are effective and popular tooth replacements. However, as with any dental procedure, they also have their advantages and disadvantages:

Advantages

  • They look natural
  • Improve smile and oral hygiene
  • They can repair severely damaged or decaying teeth
  • Protects teeth after the introduction of a root canal or dental implant
  • Replace worn or large fillings
  • They are financially efficient
  • A simple and relatively painless procedure
  • Five types of materials to choose from to suit every budget, need, and lifestyle
  • Fast recovery time
  • With proper care, it can last up to 15 to 20 years
  • Low risk of fracture


Disadvantages

  • Permanent removal of the natural tooth structure is necessary before placing the crown. However, if it is in poor condition, it is a suitable solution
  • Improperly fitted crowns can loosen and fall out
  • Breakage and damage are possible
  • Increased risk of tooth sensitivity after placement (specific toothpaste can help reduce this).

Types of dental crowns

Metal-ceramic crowns

The most common filling material for dental crowns and bridges is a mixture of porcelain and metal. When porcelain and metal are heated together, the porcelain chemically bonds with the oxides on the metal, creating a durable bond.

Porcelain metal crowns are more robust than regular porcelain because they are reinforced with a metal structure. They also match well with natural teeth’ shape, appearance, and function.

All-ceramic zircon crown

It is a high-tech ceramic material that brought a revolution in the field of fixed dentures to dentistry. The material zirconium oxide is a translucent material that does not react chemically. Therefore, it is considered one of the best materials for oral cavity use. The advantage of this material is its suitability for allergy sufferers and patients with poorer health conditions, as it does not cause any reactions. Furthermore, it is not electrically conductive; it copes very well with heat transfer when consuming hot food or drinks.

Metal and gold crowns

Metal crowns come in several different shapes and colors. They provide a strong bond, resist breakage, and do not wear the teeth. These crowns usually consist of gold, copper, and other metals. In addition, some metal crowns are made of solid base metals that resist corrosion.

Crowns require the removal of tooth structure before placement. Metal-based crowns require the slightest removal, making them a more conservative option.

Stainless steel crowns

Stainless steel crowns are only used to restore primary (child) teeth. SSCs are placed after pulpotomy treatment or when conventional cavity fillings, such as amalgam fillings, are likely to fail.

Cosmetic crowns (ceramic)

Ceramic crowns are made of porcelain. In dentistry, porcelain is used to create dental materials such as cosmetic crowns that mimic natural teeth’ appearance, shape, and function.

Cosmetic crowns restore the front teeth and blend in with the natural color of the teeth. They are strong, durable, and won’t break or crack easily. The most common alternative to all-ceramic crowns is “zirconia,” a metal.

All-resin crowns

All-resin restorations are cheaper than metal, ceramic, gold, and porcelain crowns. However, dentists do not usually recommend resin crowns because they are more prone to breakage, wear, and tear and last less long.

Resin is a thinner and more fragile than other dental restorations, such as metal and porcelain. Resin restorations are only used for decayed baby teeth, not permanent teeth.

When is a dental crown necessary?

Dental crowns are commonly used to restore:

  • weak teeth – crowns protect weak teeth that are usually caused by severe decay
  • cracked teeth — crowns hold parts of cracked teeth together and restore their natural shape, function, and appearance
  • worn teeth – crowns restore broken or severely worn teeth, usually caused by bruxism (teeth grinding) or dental erosion
  • for large fillings — crowns cover and support teeth with large fillings in which there is little remaining tooth structure
  • when the color of the teeth changes — if the teeth are intensely colored, crowns in the color of the teeth are often used to cover the color change. Other options include veneers or teeth whitening
 

Crowns also play a critical role in dental prosthetics and  more  invasive dental treatments, including root canals, dental bridges, and dental implants.

Important information:

We will be happy to help you and offer a solution to your problem or your dream idea!

Each client is unique and has an individual situation in the field of health or aesthetics (appearance). For this reason, after consulting about his problems and needs, our specialists will propose the most suitable solution – the type of procedure or treatment and the time schedule, in case it is necessary to undergo the procedure or treatment more than once.

If you are interested in learning more, please contact us on phone number 00421 905 928 302, via the contact form or at the email address info@aladiva.sk.