What is Dental Crown?

What is Dental Crown?

A crown is a type of fixed dental restoration which is tooth-shaped “cap” that is cemented onto existing teeth or implants by a dentist or prosthodontist. Crowns are often needed to entirely cover or “cap” a damaged tooth and it improves the strength, alignment, shape and appearance of teeth. Crowns can be made from many materials such as gold and metal alloys, acrylic and ceramic. Today, dentist usually uses porcelain or ceramic crowns that matched the color of the natural teeth particularly in the front teeth and alloys which are generally stronger and is recommended for back teeth.

Dental Considerations:

The average lifespan of a crown can last a lifetime with proper care given and some last around 10 years. Crowns sometimes come loose or fall out but it can be re-cemented provided the crown and affected tooth is still intact. To ensure the longevity of your crown, patients should practice good oral hygiene and avoid personal mouth-related habits (such habits as grinding or clenching your teeth, chewing ice, biting fingernails, and using your teeth to open packaging). It is important to visit dentist once in 6 months for cleaning and check-up.