What is a Ceramic Crown?
Dental crowns are a common restoration used to restore a damaged tooth or conceal cosmetic issues. A crown is an effective solution as it is secure, stable, attractive, and an effective restoration. The crown is made from high-quality materials and placed over the damaged tooth. Enhancement in dentistry and the fabrication of crowns allows them to look and function just like the natural teeth.
The dentist is trained to ensure the crown is placed properly and ensures it fits. In order to preserve a crown, patients must be diligent in practicing good oral hygiene and properly caring for the restoration. A key benefit of a crown is that they are minimally invasive and give patients excellent results.
Different types of materials can be used for the creation of a crown including resin, metals, porcelain, and ceramic. A combination of these materials can also be used. Ceramic crowns are often preferred because they are incredibly strong and natural in their appearance. A summary of the benefits of ceramic crowns is highlighted below.
Appearance
Because of their unique properties, ceramic crowns are able to closely match the natural teeth. They can be fabricated in a way to achieve the desired shape, translucency, and color. In many cases, it is virtually impossible for people to differentiate from the natural teeth.
Durability
Ceramic crowns are also incredibly durable and stable. They can protect damaged teeth which have experienced a crack, chip, discoloration, decay. They are also commonly used on teeth which have a large filling and are compromised. Crowns can also serve as the foundation or base for a dental bridge or in combination with an implant.
Protection
Ceramic crowns fit tightly over the natural tooth and help prevent exposure to debris which can cause decay. This also helps protect the tooth from being exposed to infection-causing bacteria.
Function
Prior to receiving a crown, patients may not even be aware that they are favoring or overworking the other teeth when chewing. In many cases, patients avoid chewing on a damaged tooth due to discomfort or sensitivity. Crowns restore the tooth’s function and eliminate discomfort from routine activities.
Appearance
A crown is created after obtaining a mold or impression of the patient’s mouth. This helps produce natural results and ensures the crown fits properly. Restorations are created specific to the patient which aids in preventing issues and achieving a comfortable fit in the mouth.
Metal Allergy
Another benefit of ceramic crowns is that they do not contain metal and eliminate the risk of a reaction from an allergy. It is incredibly rare for patients to have an allergic reaction to a ceramic crown.
Visibility
Ceramic crowns are extremely natural in their appearance. Because of this, the restoration is commonly used on the front teeth which are highly visible when the patient is smiling or speaking.
Fabrication
Some offices are able to create a ceramic crown on the same day or before the patient’s visit to the dentist. This helps minimize the number of visits required for treatment and also avoids the need for a temporary crown.
Some dentists obtain impressions of the teeth which are sent to a lab off-site. The crown is then created by the lab and returned to the dentist for placement. In this case, a temporary crown will be used while the patient waits for the permanent crown.
Contact the office today to schedule an appointment with the dentist. We can help determine if you are a good candidate for a ceramic crown to restore a damaged tooth.