These are fixed prosthetic devices done by dentists. They are not removable like dentures and are cemented to your existing teeth or implants. They can be removed only by dentists. Dental crowns are used to protect damaged or weakened tooth. Dental crowns are also called as “dental caps”. They are tooth shaped “caps” that are custom made by your dentist and are placed over your prepared tooth. Dental crowns cover your tooth from the gumline up to the biting surface.
How does Dental Crowns Work?
Crowns entirely cover a damaged tooth (dental caps). It straightens damaged tooth and also improves appearance, shape and alignment. A crown can also be placed over an implant to provide a shape and functionality. Porcelain or ceramic crowns are made to match the color of your tooth. They can also be made from gold and metal alloys, acrylic and ceramic. Advantage is that they are stronger than ceramic ones and are recommended for back tooth. Alternative is Porcelain bonded to a metal to give an enhanced aesthetically superior look.
How do Dental Bridges Work?
If you are missing tooth then those gaps can be filled by bridges. Advantage is that they fix the imbalance and protect other tooth from getting misaligned as the empty spaces may cause a bad bite. Also gum disease and Temporo Mandibular Joint disorders can be prevented. Porcelain can be used to give a natural appearance.
What are the advantages of Dental crowns?
1. Dental Crowns are used to protect your weak tooth or those that have damages like large cavities or fractures. They are sometimes used after root canal procedure. By encasing your tooth further damage to it can be prevented and it can also maintain your tooth’s structural integrity.
2. Dental Crowns are designed to look exactly like your natural tooth, helping it with normal biting & chewing function.
3. Dental crowns made from tooth colored porcelain can improve the overall appearance of a tooth making it look very natural.
4. Dental Crowns are used to anchor Dental bridges designed to bridge the gap created by missing teeth in your mouth. These dental crowns on nearby healthy teeth support the dental bridges.
5. Dental Crowns are also used to cover dental implants.
What are the types of materials used to make Dental Crowns?
There are many types of materials used for dental crowns and are they are chosen based on factors such as location of the tooth needing dental crown, patient’s personal preference & also your dentist’s recommendation.
The types of materials used for making Dental crowns are :
1. Porcelain: Porcelain crowns look very natural & can be made to match with your existing teeth color by your dentist. They are recommended for front teeth.
2. Metal: Metal crowns are usually made of alloys containing gold. They are very strong & durable in the long run. They are mostly used for tooth in the back of the mouth (such as molars).
3. Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM): Such dental crowns combine the strength of metal with the aesthetic tooth colored appearance given by porcelain material. They are suitable for both your front & back teeth.
4. All Ceramic or All Porcelain: These crowns are entirely made of porcelain material & give a very natural appearance. They are opted by many for their front tooth.
5. Zirconia crowns : These are made from zirconium dioxide (also known as Zirconia) which is a very strong & durable ceramic material. The difference between zirconia crowns & porcelain crowns is that porcelain material is more translucent and can give a very natural appearance while zirconia is not as translucent to mimic a natural tooth under certain lighting conditions.
The choice of dental crown material depends on various factors such as the location of the tooth needing dental crown, the patient’s preferences and also your dentist’s recommendation.
What are step by step process to get Dental Crowns in Dubai, UAE?
1. Get an initial consultation appointment with our dentist in Dubai for examining your tooth. The dentist will check and suggest available treatment options and alternatives as per your tooth’s current condition, your dental history, etc.,. Contact us to setup a FREE complimentary consultation for getting your dental crown at our clinic in Dubai, UAE.
2. X-Rays and Impressions: Your dentist may take Dental X-rays of your affected tooth to analyze the current level of damage or decay and also to assess the surrounding bone condition. Your dentist will take impression of your tooth and its surrounding area.
3. Tooth Preparation: If the damage to your current tooth is severe, your dentist will reshape it by removing a portion of its outer layer to make room for the dental crown.
4. Temporary Crown & Crown Fabrication: Next step is placement of a temporary crown to help protect the tooth when the permanent crown is being custom made in the dental laboratory using the impressions taken in earlier steps. A temporary crown also helps in maintaining the functionality & appearance of your tooth meanwhile (as the crown fabrication process may take at-least a week).
5. Permanent Dental Crown Fitting : Once your permanent crown is ready at the lab, your dentist will schedule an appointment for fixing it. Your temporary crown will be removed and your dentist will check the permanent crown’s fit, color, shape & alignment with your natural bite. He will cement the permanent crown into place using a dental adhesive and make adjustments to ensure it feels comfortable & natural for the patient. And then the crown is polished to look like a natural tooth.
6. Post Treatment Care: Follow good oral hygiene for longevity of your dental crown & follow the instructions given by your dentist post treatment. It is good to avoiding smoking, hard & sticky foods, teeth grinding at night, etc.,. If you feel the crown getting loose, please follow up with your dentist immediately and do not try to adjust it yourself.