Designed to blend with natural teeth, crowns can restore a patient’s ability to chew and speak properly while also improving the appearance of their smile.
Whilst associated with severely damaged teeth, crowns also fulfil a number of other important roles when it comes to oral health. For instance, they can be used to hold dental bridges in place or to disguise a dental implant.
Typically crafted from porcelain or metal (or a blend of both), crowns are basically a tooth-shaped cap. They are fitted over the remains of damaged or decayed teeth and can remedy several problems caused by missing teeth.
As previously mentioned, crowns can serve many practical and cosmetic purposes and fully cover broken or weakened teeth.
Crowns reinforce teeth that have been damaged in some way. They restore strength and function to such teeth while also improving aesthetics by restoring size and shape. Crowns are cemented in place and can hide a multitude of sins, covering damaged or compromised teeth in their entirety.
For a crown to be fitted, your dentist will first have to prepare what remains of the damaged tooth. The tooth may need to be shaped before a mould is taken to make sure the crown is a perfect fit. In many instances, local anaesthetic is used to minimise discomfort, with most patients describing the procedure as feeling similar to having a filling.
With the correct care and attention, crowns can last for many years before they need replacing. Depending on the individual, they have an average lifespan of 5-15 years, and there are many factors that can influence how long a crown lasts. For instance, those who don’t brush their teeth, grind their teeth regularly or bite their fingernails may find that their crowns need to be replaced more often.
Detailed aftercare advice will be provided to you following the application of your crown.
