Dental crowns are the external part of the tooth that is covered by dentin.
They are the pieces that allow us to perform chewing functions and protect the inside of the tooth.
Although, precisely because they are visible, they play an important role in the dental esthetics of our smile.
In dentistry, artificial crowns are very often used, not only to improve the appearance of the teeth, but also to correct possible dental conditions.
Below we will explain what types of dental crowns exist, as well as detailing in which situations it is advisable to resort to them.
Dental crowns, what are they and in which cases are they used?
A dental crown is a fixed prosthesis that is placed on a tooth, although they can also be placed on implants.
This cover covers the entire surface of the tooth and behaves like a natural one, fulfilling all the esthetic and chewing functions that the patient needs.
The crown can be made of different materials, which are always custom-made for the tooth on which it will be placed, and imitates the shape and color of the patient’s teeth.
Oral cleaning
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DENTAL CROWNS
Basically, crowns are used in four cases.
Reinforcing a deteriorated tooth
As we have already mentioned, crowns are the first thing we see when we open our mouth.
However, we must not forget that they also have important functions within the oral cavity and it is essential to keep them healthy, not only for aesthetic reasons.
For dental health reasons, it is always advisable to reinforce a tooth whose visible part is clearly deteriorated.
Tooth wear can be caused by various reasons, leading to increased tooth sensitivity and, in the most severe cases, even affecting the tooth structure.
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It is necessary to reinforce a tooth if it has suffered a strong trauma (with breakage of the dental piece), if it has lost a lot of surface area due to a filling or if it has undergone a root canal.
In any of the above cases, and to ensure the correct strength of the tooth, the professional performs a grinding.
This procedure consists of lowering the tooth surface by up to 2 millimeters, both in height and thickness, until a conical shape is obtained, in order to subsequently cement the dental crown on it.
Dental milling process
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GRINDING OF A TOOTH
It is necessary to reduce the natural tooth to prevent the tooth from becoming excessively thick once the crown has been placed.
Before the grinding procedure begins, local anesthesia will be applied so that the patient does not suffer any pain.
Supporting a bridge
When a person is going to wear a dental bridge, it is important that the adjacent teeth (abutments) provide the necessary support.
In the event that one of these teeth is missing, the dentist may recommend the placement of a crown.
In this way, the abutments will be able to support the chewing loads and keep the entire denture anchored.
Dental caps can be made of three types of materials: porcelain, metal-porcelain or zirconium.
Crown on implants
A missing tooth can wreak havoc on oral health and is not only an esthetic problem.
When a patient has lost a tooth, it is advisable to undergo surgery to have an implant placed.
On this, the dental crown will be placed and it will be well fixed by means of a screw.
With this method, it is not necessary to carry out any grinding on the teeth located next to the crown, as is the case with bridges.
Esthetic reasons
It is possible that the person may want to modify a purely esthetic aspect of his or her teeth.
This is especially true for the front teeth, since they are the most visible when we smile.
If the shape, color or position of the teeth is not what you like best, a dental cap can obviously change the design of the smile.
Depending on the case, the dentist may also recommend the use of dental veneers, as they also serve to change the appearance of the teeth, although there are differences with respect to crowns.
Shade of veneers
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DENTAL VENEERS
Types of dental veneers and characteristics
As we have indicated, crowns not only have an aesthetic purpose, but also a functional one.
Therefore, they can be used on any tooth, being their most common use on molars and premolars.
These teeth are the ones that have the clearest presence in mastication, so they must be resistant and effectively support the jaw loads.
In addition, as they are located in the back of the mouth, they tend to accumulate a greater number of cavities, as they are less accessible during brushing.
Although veneers can be used on any tooth, the esthetic and functional needs of each tooth vary and therefore the dentist will recommend one material over another.
Zirconia and porcelain: the most esthetic crowns
Crowns made of zirconium and porcelain are usually used for anterior teeth, as they offer more esthetic solutions.
These materials allow them to adapt to the shade of the adjacent teeth, so the result is harmonious and natural, with hardly any difference from the natural teeth.
Metal-porcelain veneers
On the other hand, metal-porcelain veneers are used on molars because of the strength they offer.
A cap made of metal is placed over the remaining tooth, which will later be covered with porcelain to give the appearance of a real tooth.
Its use is not indicated for teeth that are visible in the smile, since they are made of metal, the esthetic finish may not be the desired one.
Metal dental caps
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METAL-PORCELAIN CAPS
What type of crown is recommended?
As we have explained, there are three options for the patient to choose between one material or another.
However, the most common is that the person only has to choose between zirconium or porcelain crowns.
This is due to the fact that, in the case of the need for a cover on the molars, a metal-porcelain one will be placed in almost all cases.
Although both porcelain and zirconium crowns offer an optimal esthetic result, the latter offer greater advantages due to their composition.
Even so, the professional will always advise the patient on the option that best suits his or her circumstances.
To ensure that the dental crown lasts as long as possible, take care of it as if it were a natural tooth.
How long does a dental crown last?
Crowns can be kept in good condition for more than 30 years, although their average duration in optimal conditions is set at 15 to 20 years.
In this aspect, prophylaxis plays a fundamental role, since it should not be forgotten that the crown is placed on the natural tooth.
If the tooth on which it rests has caries, inflammation or any disease, it is possible that the crown loses its hold and ends up falling off.
The crown functions like a normal tooth and therefore requires the same care.
Thus, the prosthesis can break due to a strong trauma or if we eat very hard food.
Although zirconium is a very resistant material, it is always advisable to be careful.
It is important to visit a dental clinic periodically for check-ups and also for the hygienists to carry out a thorough oral cleaning to prevent any condition.
