Crowning Glory: Are Dental Crowns Worth It
Dental crowns are a versatile solution for restoring and reshaping teeth
3 minute read
If any of your teeth are badly damaged, worn down, weak, or you want to change their appearance, your dentist may recommend a dental crown. Crowns are custom ceramic restorations that are designed to blend in seamlessly with the surrounding teeth.
A well-made dental crown looks, feels and functions like a natural tooth, and should last for many years with good care. A crown may not always be the most suitable option however, because a small amount of tooth enamel needs to be removed, making the procedure irreversible.
Read this overview of pros and cons of crowns for restoring or modifying teeth, and contact our dentists to find out about our crown treatments and other options for cosmetic dentistry in Kelmscott.
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown, sometimes referred to as a “cap,” is a custom-made dental restoration that fully encases the visible portion of a badly damaged or weakened tooth. Crowns serve both functional and aesthetic purposes, restoring the tooth’s shape, size, and strength while protecting it from further damage. They are typically crafted by skilled prosthetists or dental technicians using precise physical or digital impressions of the tooth to ensure a perfect fit that aligns with your bite.
Crowns are made from a variety of materials, such as porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination, each chosen based on the patient’s needs. The colour of the crown is carefully matched to the natural shade of the surrounding teeth, creating a seamless, natural appearance that integrates with the rest of the smile. Crowns not only improve the tooth’s appearance but also restore its functionality.
If a majority of the tooth above the gums is unhealthy, a crown may be considered the most conservative treatment option for you.
What is the process for placing a crown?
Placing a dental crown can require one or multiple appointments, depending on the type of crown material chosen. During the first visit, your dentist will thoroughly examine the tooth to ensure you are a suitable candidate for a crown. The dentist will then begin preparing the tooth by removing a thin layer of enamel, usually between 0.5 and 2 millimetres, to create space for the crown to fit comfortably over it and to ensure it does not appear too bulky against neighbouring teeth.
Once the tooth is prepared, your dentist will take an impression or a digital scan of the tooth and surrounding area. This impression serves as the blueprint for creating your custom-made crown, ensuring it will have a precise fit and blend naturally with the rest of your teeth. In the interim, you will be fitted with a temporary crown made of acrylic or composite resin while you wait for the final crown.
Once the permanent crown comes back from the lab – typically within one to two weeks – your dentist will schedule a follow-up appointment to remove the temporary crown and fit the final one. The dentist will carefully check the fit and make any necessary adjustments before the crown is cemented in place. The crown is bonded using a strong adhesive, such as resin-based cement or glass ionomer cement to create a durable seal between the crown and the underlying tooth.
After the crown is securely bonded in place, you’ll be able to use the tooth normally for chewing and speaking. The crown not only restores the appearance and function of the tooth but also protects it from further damage, decay, or infection.
What are crowns used for?
Crowns are used for many purposes in general and restorative dentistry. This includes:
• Repairing a badly decayed, cracked or damaged tooth that needs more than a filling
• Protecting a cracked, decayed or weakened tooth against further damage
• Correcting a misaligned bite and preventing the opposing teeth from shifting
• Correcting speech issues related to teeth
• Covering a dental implant to replace a missing tooth
• Supporting a dental bridge (crowns are placed on both sides of the bridge)
• Sealing a vulnerable tooth after root canal therapy
Crowns are also used in cosmetic dentistry, such as:
• Reshaping uneven or crooked teeth
• Lengthening short teeth
• Covering stains or discolouration
If you have any of these concerns and think that one or more of your teeth could benefit from a dental crown, contact our dentists today.
What are crowns made of?
Crowns are made from a range of materials. Your dentist will explain all of your options, which will be based on factors such as the size and location of the crown and your personal preference and budget. Common crown materials are:
• Porcelain/ceramic: Porcelain crowns are the preferred choice for visible teeth at the front of the mouth, as porcelain is a close match to natural tooth enamel. They’re less suitable for the back teeth, as stronger biting forces may cause them to damage.
• Porcelain fused to metal (PFM): A middle ground balancing the aesthetics of porcelain crowns with the durability of metal crowns. PFM crowns are suitable for all teeth, but may appear darker than all-porcelain crowns if used for the front teeth.
• Zirconia: Zirconia crowns have a similar natural appearance to porcelain, but they’re more durable and may last longer. They are typically suited to back molars.
• Gold or metal alloys: Metal crowns are the strongest and longest-lasting option, especially for back teeth, but are less widely used today because of their less natural appearance.
The type of crown you choose will affect overall treatment cost, although more durable materials will usually last for longer before they need to be replaced.
How long does a crown last?
Dental crowns can last for 5–15 years or longer, depending on what they’re made from and how well you care for the crown and your oral health. Metal and zirconia crowns will generally last longer than all-ceramic crowns and are more resistant to damage. However, any crown may fail if the cement doesn’t bond properly, or if the underlying tooth becomes damaged or decays over time.
Just like natural teeth, crown restorations require daily care and a good oral hygiene routine to last as long as possible. This means:
• Brushing twice a day, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
• Flossing between your teeth and crowns daily to remove trapped food and plaque
• Cutting down on processed sugar and acids that contribute to tooth decay and erosion
• Drinking plenty of water, especially tap water with fluoride added at safe levels
• Visiting a dentist once or twice a year for a check-up and professional clean
What are the risks?
Placing a crown is a routine dental procedure, and the risk of failure or complications is low when it’s performed by a qualified and experienced dentist. However, possible risks can include:
• Temporary pain or sensitivity to hot and cold stimuli after enamel is removed
• Temporary discomfort due to the crown being built too high and affecting your bite. Once local anaesthesia wears off, it’s important to tell your dentist if you are biting down on the crown before your natural teeth, as they will need to correct the height for you
• Changes to speech while getting used to a crown
• Infection or re-infection (in the case of a root canal treated tooth) around the area
If a crown becomes damaged, it may sometimes be possible for a dentist to repair it, but in cases of severe damage, it will need to be replaced.
What are the alternatives to a crown?
Depending on the purpose of the crown and the extent of any structural damage to the tooth, your dentist may discuss alternatives such as:
• Fillings, inlays or onlays to cover a damaged or decayed tooth
• Tooth bonding using composite resin to patch a damaged area
• Dental veneers to modify the appearance of a tooth or teeth
• Extraction and replacement with a dental bridge, implant or denture if a tooth is too badly damaged to save
The cost of a dental crown starts from $1713. Providing your dentist has assessed your suitability, dental crowns are a worthwhile investment as they offer greater durability and longevity than less expensive dental restorations such as composite fillings, inlays and onlays.
Crowns and cosmetic dentistry Kelmscott
If you want to know more about crowns and other ways to restore your smile, contact our experienced dentists at Kelmscott Dental today by calling (08) 9495 7999 or booking an appointment online. We also welcome patients from nearby suburbs such as Armadale and Gosnells.
References
1. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/dental-crown-procedure
