Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are dental restorations otherwise known as "caps" that fit over the visible tooth structure. A dental crown is different to a filling, because of one basic thing:  a filling is placed inside a tooth and have walls of tooth surrounding it, whereas a crown fits over the damaged tooth and protects the remaining part of the tooth.

Crown over tooth

• Teeth Reconstruction
  Severely damaged teeth that can't otherwise be repaired in any other way and to replace the visible part of a tooth in Implant Dentistry
• Prevention
  To prevent fracture of a weak or brittle tooth (often after a RCT)
• Stability
  To re-established the bite by giving the teeth different hights, widths or positions
• Teeth Aesthetics
  To change the form / shape/ colour /size of teeth
• Function
  Fringing opposing teeth into firm contact will enhance chewing capability

TYPES OF DENTAL CROWNS Acrylic dental crowns Cast metal dental crowns Porcelain dental crowns(cosmetic) Porcelain with metal support underneath Fiber reinforced resin dental crowns

Types of material

Cosmetic crowns normally refer to full porcelain(non-metal) crowns, because of their highly aestetic look. Full porcelain crowns emit more light and are therefore more natural looking.  Although these crowns are of a superior aestetic quality, they are not as strong as metal-reinforced crowns. The modern trend is to move away from metal and stronger porcelains are continuously being manufactured.
 
 

First Appointment

• After numbing the mouth, the tooth gets prepared by doing a 360º  preparation to ensure enough space for the fabrication of the dental crown
• Impressions are taken to be send away to a dental laboratory to cast plaster models in order to fabricated the dental crown
• A temporary crown / restoration is fitted to protect the naked tooth until the next visit.

   

Second Appointment

• The temporary crown / restoration is removed and the new dental crown is fitted

The cost of dental crowns will vary form anything between R1800 - R3500* depending on the type of dental crown material used (*Prices for 2009)

Very often dental crowns are the only possible way to restore a tooth, but the cost often force patients to take alternative options. Big amalgam or resin fillings get made as a compromise treatment, but will then often break or chip.

There are some differences between Dental Crowns and Dental Veneers

Generally speaking crowns require more tooth reduction, but are more retentative(bigger surface area) than veneers. It is not possible to distinquish between a crown and a veneer on front teeth when someone smiles. The crown also covers the back section of the tooth that is not visible.

The latest modern way is to make these crowns and veneers in 1 visit with special CAD/CAM technology. This is the future of dentistry and opens up an overwhelming new world of possibilities.
If you think you might benefit from dental crowns or veneers, please contact us and see how this can change your life.

 

CARE FOR DENTAL CROWNS

Cleaning dental crowns are very important since the underlying tooth is stil susceptable to decay, and proper general cleaining and hygienic procedures are advised:

• Daily brushing and rinsing with a fluoride mouth rinse (Dentyl / PLAX) 
• Brush gently where the gum meets the dental crown
• Special soft pics are also an optional in the cleaning process
• Flossing is important to keep the dental crown margins free from plague accumulation
• Avoid biting on hard objects like ice or sticky foods
• Have your dental crowns check regularly with x-rays for early detection of decay

Good Oral Hygiene Routine

Dentyl Mouthwash

Take the free  SMILE ANALYSIS    to see if Dental Crowns are an option for you
 

Also see COSMETIC DENTISTRY