Crowns (Caps)

A crown (or cap) is a covering that encases the entire tooth surface restoring it to its original shape and size.  A crown protects and strengthens tooth structure that cannot be restored with fillings or other types of restorations.

Although there are several types of crowns, porcelain (tooth colored crown) are the most popular.  They are highly durable and will last many years, but like most dental restorations, they may eventually need to be replaced.  Porcelain crowns are made to match the shape, size, and color or your teeth giving you a natural, long-lasting beautiful smile.

Reasons for crowns:

  • Broken or fractured teeth.
  • Cosmetic enhancement.
  • Decayed teeth.
  • Fractured fillings.
  • Large fillings.
  • Tooth has a root canal.

What does getting a crown involve?

A crown procedure usually requires two appointments.  Your first appointment will include taking several highly accurate molds (or impressions) that will be used to create your custom crown.  A mold will also be used to create a temporary crown which will stay on your tooth for approximately two weeks until your new crown is fabricated by a dental laboratory.

While the tooth is numb, the dentist will prepare the tooth by removing any decay and shaping the surface to properly fit the crown.  Once these details are accomplished, your temporary crown will be placed with temporary cement and your bite will be checked to ensure you are biting properly.

At your second appointment your temporary crown will be removed, the tooth will be cleaned, and your new crown will be carefully placed to ensure the spacing and bite are accurate.

You will be given care instructions and encouraged to have regular dental visits to check your new crown.


LAVA CROWNS

IMPROVING EXISTING TEETH

Grinding your teeth, an improper bite, age, fillings and tooth decay can all be contributing factors in the wearing down, cracking or breakage of your teeth.  If you suffer from this problem, dental crowns can be the solution.  Dental crowns cover the entire visible surface of your affected tooth to add strength, durability and tooth stability. The end result is fantastic.

The all-ceramic LAVA crown has many advantages over traditional crowns. Besides its high esthetic qualities, the function and longevity of the crown is excellent as well.

Benefits of a new LAVA crown:

  • Superior esthetic and translucency result, compared to traditional crown. More natural appearance
  • Easy installation, quick results
  • Preparation requires removal of less tooth structure
  • Outstanding marginal fit
  • Superior strength of zirconia with high fracture resistance

Treatment: 

In the best case, the new crown is installed in two dentist visits in two week's time. The inconvenience and after-effects will be minimal.


COURSE OF TREATMENT

PLACING A NEW CROWN – STEP-BY-STEP

The course of treatment described here is one of several options available. Consult your dentist to find out what the best solution is for you, given your specific condition.

   
1: Before the procedure
The dentist makes a first evaluation and makes an impression of the existing crown. The impression is used as the prototype for the new crown.
2: Preparing the old tooth
The natural tooth is given minor preparation or adjustments. A temporary crown is attached.

   
3: Placing the new crown
A week or so after the first visit, the permanent crown is securely fitted. Normally, it will serve its owner for life.
4: End result
The end result is a new tooth that should blend in perfectly with the others. Brush and floss as recommended by your dentist or dental hygienist.

 


 
ALTERNATIVES TO AN ALL-CERAMIC CROWN

  Porcelain fused to metal

Simply put, a new all-ceramic Procera crown is esthetically superior to any other type of crown. You just can't get the same finish and natural, living look with a traditional metal core crown. However, the latter is an established and well-known solution. This is probably why it is still commonly used, even though function, installation and price are normally equal to that of a ceramic crown.

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