A crown is a covering placed over the top of your own natural tooth to restore it for both the function and aesthetics. Crowns will greatly enhance the appearance of heavily filled, chipped, discolored or misshapen teeth. In some cases they can be used to correct a misalignment.
PLEASE NOTE: As with any dental procedure it is important to note that the before and after results shown will vary for each individual situation and you cannot expect equivalent or identical results to those portrayed in these photographs. Any material risks associated with your specific dental situation will be explained during your consultation at Boston Dental Centre.
When could my tooth need a crown (cap)?
The outside of each tooth is made of enamel, which is extremely hard. Although teeth are strong a crown may be recommended if there is:
1. Substantial Chips or broken teeth/fillings due to a fall or some other types of trauma.
2. Deep tooth decay may also severely weaken a tooth, with a high risk that the tooth may fall apart.
3. Root canal treatment, where the pulp of the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels is removed, can also weaken a tooth.
4. Large fillings can often reduce a tooth’s strength as shown below and eventually the tooth may break.
5. Severe tooth wear over time can dramatically reduce the size of a tooth and even expose the nerve.
6. Cosmetic needs may also be treated with crowns, improving tooth strength, function and will often enhance the overall health and appearance of your mouth.
7. Sometimes crooked teeth can be improved with crowns if orthodontic treatment such as braces or porcelain veneers are not suitable.
What does a crown (cap) do and what is it made of?
A crown fits over the existing natural crown, the part of the tooth seen above the gums.
Most crowns on front teeth are made of full porcelain, like veneers, and look almost the same as natural teeth. Porcelain crowns do not cause a black line at the gum level like traditional crowns may do that contain metal underneath. Porcelain crowns are often almost as strong as natural teeth and may be suitable if your old crowns require replacement on your front teeth. This type of crown is known as a ‘Procera Crown’ or ‘Zirconia Crown.
Other types of crowns, particularly on the back teeth, contain a high gold alloy and have porcelain fused onto the gold alloy. Our advanced dental technician often can make this type of crown look very simmilar to natural tooth. On rare occasions gold* crowns are used when the back tooth is in a very heavy bite and clearance levels are minimal.
*The gold contains alloys to enhance its strength.
