A crown is a kind of cap that serves to protect teeth from decay, restore the shape of teeth and their functionality, support a dental bridge, cover a dental implant, or improve the appearance of a tooth.
Types of crowns for teeth depending on the material:
1. Stainless steel crowns. These are ready-made crowns that are used on permanent teeth, but on a temporary basis. The crown protects the tooth or filling while a permanent crown made of another material is being made. Stainless steel crowns are also used to cover milk teeth. A crown covers the entire tooth and protects it from further decay. When the baby tooth falls out, thus making room for the permanent tooth, the crown falls out with it. In general, stainless steel crowns are used for children's teeth because they do not require many visits to the dentist and are less expensive than custom-made crowns, plus preventive dental care is required to protect teeth without crowns.
2. The metals used to make crowns are gold alloy, other alloys (such as palladium), or base metal alloys (such as nickel or chromium). Compared to other types of crowns, metal crowns require less tooth structure to be removed and wear on the tooth from opposing teeth is minimal. Metal crowns are resistant to biting and chewing forces and are the most resistant in terms of wear. Also, metal crowns rarely crack or break. The main disadvantage of such crowns is the metallic color. Therefore, these crowns are best suited for molars that are not visible.
3. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns can be matched to the color of nearby teeth (unlike metal ones). However, these crowns are more susceptible to abrasion due to the action of opposing teeth when compared to metal and composite crowns. The ceramic part of the crown may crack or fall off. Metal-ceramic crowns look almost like ordinary teeth (all-ceramic crowns are in the first place on this point). True, sometimes the metal under the ceramic part of the crowns becomes a visible dark line, especially at the gum line, and is more pronounced if the gums are too short. These crowns are well suited for anterior or posterior teeth.
4. Composite crowns are the cheapest type of dental crowns. But they wear out over time and are more prone to cracking than porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns.
5. All-ceramic or porcelain dental crowns provide a better color match than any other type of crown and are ideal for people who are allergic to metals. But they are not as strong as porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, as they wear more under the influence of opposing teeth than metal or composite crowns. This type of dental crowns is the most suitable for anterior teeth.
What are 3/4 onlays and crowns?
Onlays and 3/4 crowns are types of dental crowns. The difference between them and the crowns described above lies in the degree of coverage of the tooth. While traditional crowns cover the entire tooth, onlays and 3/4 crowns cover a smaller part of the tooth.
How long do crowns last?
On average, dental crowns last five to fifteen years. The lifespan of crowns depends on the degree of friction they are exposed to, how well you are good with hygiene and, of course, on your habits (the habit of clenching or grinding your teeth, chewing ice, biting your nails and opening packages and beer with your teeth is unlikely prolong the life of the crown).
Do I need any special care for a crowned tooth?
While crowned teeth do not require special care, this does not mean that they are immune to cavities or gum disease. Therefore, continue to adhere to the usual rules for caring for your teeth (this includes brushing your teeth twice a day, as well as flossing at least once a day). Be sure to floss the area around the crown where the tooth meets the gum. It also doesn't hurt to use a mouthwash.
Source: estet-portal.com.
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