Have you been feeling a bit self-conscious about your smile? Do you have damaged or missing teeth that lower your confidence when talking with people? If these things apply to you, consider getting a dental crown for your teeth. It is one of the most commonly used cosmetic dentistry procedures to adorn you with that perfect smile.
In this article, let’s understand dental crowns and how they differ from dental caps. We will also explore who needs a dental crown and how to maintain it after getting one for your teeth.
Are Caps and Crowns the Same Thing?
Many people want to know the difference between a crown and a cap used on teeth. As it turns out, both refer to the same cosmetic dentistry procedure. While dentists and other medical professionals use the term ‘dental crown,’ others who don’t work in the medical field mostly use the word ‘cap.’
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is, in essence, a cap-like covering for your damaged tooth. It covers the visible part of the natural tooth and improves your smile, and makes the tooth stronger and more resistant to chipping or damage.
What is a dental crown for? Why is it used, and who would require a dental crown?
Over time, as one ages or experiences trauma, the strength and rigidity of the teeth change. Due to this, the teeth run the risk of getting damaged. Moreover, in the absence of a good oral hygiene routine, your teeth may also get infected. All these factors may lead to your tooth changing its shape or size.
Here are some reasons why you may need a cosmetic dentistryprocedure like a crown:
- When the tooth has severe decay that dental fillings cannot fix.
- When your tooth has broken, the dentist wants to protect it from further damage.
- You have a dental bridge or an implant that needs to be held in place.
- Your teeth are either misshapen or severely discolored.
- When you have a large filling but don’t have much of a supporting tooth structure left.
- You have undergone a root canal, and the treated tooth needs to be covered.
Different Types of Dental Crowns
Varied materials are used to make dental crowns, each having its unique benefits. Let’s take a look at the most common types of crown materials:
- Metal: Metals such as palladium, nickel, chromium, and gold are routinely used in cosmetic dentistry to make crowns. The benefit of metal crowns is that they last the longest and only require a small portion of your tooth to be removed. However, their color stands out from the rest of your natural teeth. This is why they are preferred for your out-of-sight molars.
- Porcelain fused to metal: This dental crown has a porcelain top with metal under its cover. It can be matched to compliment your natural teeth and is easily used to restore your front teeth. However, these crowns are less durable than all-metal crowns and may chip if you bite on hard foods.
- All porcelain or ceramic: As the name suggests, these crowns perfectly match your natural teeth. Made in a single material, they are perfect for people with metal allergies. They are quite durable also.
The Process of Fitting a Dental Crown
A dental crown can be fitted in two different ways. If you are getting a temporary crown, here is the usual procedure that is followed:
- On the day of the first visit, your dentist will examine the damaged tooth. They may also take X-rays or molds of your mouth.
- Your dentist will then remove the outer layer of the tooth to even it down.
- An impression will be made of your trimmed tooth along with the surrounding teeth.
- A temporary crown is set over the tooth that needs to be restored.
- The impressions will be sent to the associated lab to make a permanent crown.
- The crown will then be placed on your teeth on your second visit, which may take place after several weeks.
Another option is to get a same-day permanent crown. This process involves the following steps:
- Your dentist will take a digital picture of your mouth.
- With these pictures, a crown will be created right there in the dental office. This is usually a couple of hours.
- Once the crown is ready to go, it will be secured into place on your teeth.
How Long Do Crowns Last?
Dental crowns are long-term cosmetic dentistryrestorations lasting between ten and thirty years. This is, however, only possible when you maintain good oral hygiene and take care of the crowns.
How To Maintain a Dental Crown?
Listed below are five ways in which you can prolong the life of your dental crown:
- Have a regular oral hygiene routine that includes brushing your teeth twice daily for two minutes.
- Follow this with flossing and rinsing your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash.
- If you have sensitive teeth, consider using toothpaste meant for sensitive teeth.
- Never chew on hard foods. This may cause your crown to crack.
- Do you suffer from bruxism? Your dentist may potentially advise you to use a night guard.
Are There Any Issues One Can Experience With a Dental Crown?
While dental crowns have significant benefits for damaged teeth, they may also pose certain complications. Some of these may include:
- Your crowned tooth may become sensitive to air or hot and cold foods.
- They may chip while biting onto hard foods.
- A crown may loosen or even fall off if it is not cemented well.
- If the area around the crown is not cleaned correctly, it may increase the risk of gum disease.
The Bottom Line
Modern dentistry has come a long way. Especially when it comes to dental crowns, patients can now choose from various purposes to match their specific needs. However, once you get a crown for your teeth, ensure that you maintain it well to last for a long time.
Want more information? Contact Torbram Dental today!
Simrit has been working at Torbram Dental since 2001. She started her career with Assisting/Treatment co-ordinating and then moved on to becoming the Hygiene Co Ordinator in 2005. In 2012 she took on a new role as the Marketing Director. Though she loved being the Marketing Director, in 2015 she became the Office Manager of Torbram Dental. She completed her Level 1 Dental Assisting program with Career Canada in 1996 and then went on to complete her Level II Dental Assisting Diploma with Southwestern Medix in 1999. That is when she received NDAEB Certification. Simrit has been and still is an active member of the Ontario Dental Assistants Association since 2000. She enjoys hiking and traveling with her husband and two kids and loves to explore new restaurants, especially high-tea venues.
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Jessica, one of our receptionists, is one of the smiling faces you see when you arrive at the office. She graduated with honours from Medix College with a diploma as a Level 2 Dental Assistant. When she is not happily helping our patients, Jessica enjoys spending quality time with her friends and family, going to church on Sunday mornings, gardening and going on hikes.
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Naudia has been working at Torbram Dental for many years and is a valued member of our administrative team: as a dental receptionist and in our marketing team . She graduated from Everest College with honours level 1 and 2, with a diploma in Dental Assisting. Naudia is always there for our patients, making sure that they receive the care and attention they deserve. When not at the office, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking and indulging in civil court TV shows.
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Ramandeep has been a part of Torbram Dental for the past 10 years as certified dental assistant. She obtained her level 1 certification from Everest college in Brampton in 2013, and then her level 2 certification in 2014 from Medix college. Her career path through the clinic has been recognized by staff at all levels who admire her work ethic and dedication to million dollar smiles. In her spare time, Ramandeep enjoys cooking and gardening, and spending time with her husband and 2 kids.
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Sana is a valued member of our dental hygiene team. In 2008 she completed her education at George Brown in Dental Assisting and in 2016 she earned her diploma in Dental Hygiene from the Canadian Academy of Dental Health and Sciences. Sana has been working in dentistry since 2008 and enjoys taking care of our patients and helping them with their oral health. She is married and is busy with her 2 young children. In her spare time, Sana enjoys going out with the family, trying out new places to eat and is looking forward to travelling with them in the future.
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Sanaria has been working at Torbram Dental for many years as a valued member of our Dental Assisting Team. She completed her level 2 dental assisting certification and previously obtained a degree in Education and worked as a quality control officer in the pharmaceutical industry. When not at work Sanaria loves to bake and cook. She also loves story time and enjoying the outdoors with her children. She always sees the positive side of life, believes that nothing is impossible and that if you set a goal and work at it, that you will make your dreams come true.
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Carrie has been working at Torbram Dental since 2001. She graduated from George Brown College in 1998 with a Dental Assistant Diploma and continued to further her education by completing a Dental Hygiene Diploma in 2001 at Durham College. Carrie is a highly trained and experienced Registered Dental Hygienist who continues to learn and grow by updating her knowledge to provide her clients with the best Oral Health Care techniques and information. Carrie is passionate about Dentistry and is known for her gentle and compassionate manner. She feels strongly about building lasting relationships and trust with her clients to help them understand that good Oral Health leads to good Overall Health. Carrie enjoys travelling, dabbling in decorating and a good Netflix series in her time off. Carrie resides in Halton Hills with her husband and two children.
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Daniela's interest in Dentistry began in Gr.6 when she wrote a speech entitled "My Life as a Toothbrush".
A Registered Dental Hygienist with 22 years of clinical experience, Daniela still has a great passion for her career. The most rewarding aspect for her is building lasting relationships with her patients, and seeing them through to a healthier smile.
Her thorough yet gentle touch will ensure a comfortable visit every time.
Daniela is a total Foodie and loves to cook and enjoys all types of cuisines. She loves Florida, Cruises, organizing things, and most of all spending time with family and friends.
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Stephanie Enjoys getting to know all new patients at Torbram Dental and catching up with long standing Patients. Stephanie enjoys spending quality time with her family. One of her favorite things to do with her daughter is teach and play the piano. Stephanie likes going on walks with her husband and enjoys spending as much time with him as he is an Active Member of the Canadian Army. On Sundays, Stephanie enjoys going to Church and looks forward to Sunday Dinner with her entire family. Stephanie's Favorite thing to do to start her day right is head to her local Starbucks and Grab her favorite drink, an iced black tea with light lemonade on warm days and a blonde vanilla latte on those cold winter days.
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