Dental Crowns - FAQ
Smile Makeover Specialist
In Collierville and Memphis, Tennessee
If you would like to contact Dr. Ettienne van Zyl to ask a question or schedule an appointment visit our convenient contact form.
What is a dental crown?
What types of crowns are there?
What is the difference between the three types of crowns?
What is the crown application procedure like?
What can I expect?
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a restorative sheath which covers a tooth in order to strengthen a decayed tooth, repair a broken tooth, cover an endodontic treatment, or improve the cosmetic appearance of a tooth with strong root structure.
A crown completely covers the visible area of a tooth, creating a brand new outer surface for both appearance and for chewing. A filling, by contrast, covers only a portion of a tooth.
What types of crowns are there?
There are three types of crowns in use today:
Porcelain Crowns can give the best cosmetic results, almost indistinguishable from your natural teeth if properly fashioned and applied. They are metal-free and strong.
Porcelain fused to metal crowns have a metal substructure, so though they provide an initially good result, the metal can show if your gums recede. In addition, they often make your teeth sensitive to temperature changes.
Gold crowns are a reasonably functional appliance, but their appearance is obviously not natural. These are a good choice if appearance is not a concern.
What is the difference between the three types of crowns?
Gold crowns were the strongest crowns available for many years. They are not as aesthetically pleasing as porcelain crowns, and with new advances in materials the strength advantage they had has decreased. For most people, the cosmetic drawback is too great, leading to a decline in the popularity of gold crowns. One advantage is that less of the existing tooth must be removed for a gold crown.
Porcelain crowns provide the best cosmetic results, and with new advances in imaging and manufacturing, they can be precisely fit into your smile by a qualified cosmetic dentist.
Porcelain fused-to-metal crowns are a compromise. They can have an initially good cosmetic result, but when the metal begins to show they produce an unpleasant effect.
What is the crown application procedure like?
Applying a crown generally takes three steps.
In the first part of the procedure, the tooth is prepared to receive the crown by the removal of all decay, and a mold is taken of the tooth to be crowned. The mold is sent to a laboratory, where the crown is custom-crafted. A temporary restoration is put in place to stabilize the tooth structure from any further decay.
The crafting of the crown takes about two weeks, depending on the laboratory. During this time your temporary restoration will protect your tooth and enable you to function, albeit with some restrictions.
In the final part of the procedure, your crown will be fitted. First, Dr. van Zyl will check the fit, often with either water or glycerin to place the crown onto the tooth. This non-permanent attachment is to check the crown’s fit, and for porcelain restorations to test its shade and color. The color of the crown can be adjusted by using different shades of dental cement, but cannot be altered after the crown is cemented. This is the stage where your dentist's skill and experience are most critical to ensure proper color matching and proper fit. Once the correct color is determined, the crown can be attached. Dental bonding is used, which is activated by a curing light.
What can I expect?
If you opt for ceramic crowns and have chosen a well-trained and highly skilled cosmetic dentist, your crowns will be virtually indistinguishable from real teeth.
Gold fillings are very durable, but can make your teeth very sensitive to temperature. Gold is stronger than ceramic crowns. Gold is even stronger than natural teeth, and there is some chance that gold crowns can damage surrounding teeth.
Porcelain fused-to-metal crowns are a compromise, with some of the advantages and disadvantages of each. You can expect basically the same durability as ceramic crowns, and the temperature sensitivity of gold crowns. Over time, a slight, metal line may become visible between your crown and gumline. This is because gums tend to recede as you age.
Remember to continue to practice good oral hygiene following the installation of your crowns to prevent further decay.
Dr. van Zyl has been specially trained at the leading Las Vegas Institute. He will assess the condition of your mouth, listen to your cosmetic goals, and help you decide which restorations are best for you. Contact Dr. van Zyl today for an initial consultation.
