What is a Ceramic Crown?
Dental crowns fit over the entire visible surface of a tooth, above the gum line, where they restore and preserve teeth that are broken, decayed, or otherwise compromised. Crowns can strengthen a weak tooth, protect a tooth that’s broken or cracked, restore a worn-down tooth, cover stains and discolorations, secure dental bridges, and cover root canals or dental implants. These multi-purpose dental restorations can be made from a variety of materials, including metals, composite resin, porcelain fused to metal, and ceramic. Ceramic crowns are favored by many dentists and patients for their highly lifelike appearance, exceptional aesthetics, and durability, and they are particularly popular when crowns are needed in the front of the mouth, where they are more readily visible.
What are the Benefits of Ceramic Crowns?
While any dental crown will help protect and support a damaged tooth, ceramic crowns come with their own specific benefits. Ceramic crowns are particularly durable and aesthetically superior, custom fitted and matched to provide a lifelike dental restoration that looks and functions just like a natural, healthy tooth. This makes them especially useful when the visible front teeth need restoration. Because they lack any metal materials, ceramic crowns are uniquely hypoallergenic, meaning there’s no risk that the crown will cause an uncomfortable allergic reaction, and they are convenient and comfortable.
What Are the Steps for Getting a Crown?
While there are some variations with the specifics, there are generally four main steps involved in the dental crown treatment. These include:
- A dental examination
- Tooth preparation
- Dental impressions and measurements
- Creating the custom crown
- Placing and fitting the final crown
During your initial dental examination, your dentist will determine whether a ceramic crown is the best way to treat your damaged or compromised tooth, assessing the extent and location of the damage and the shape and positioning of the teeth. If there are any underlying issues, like tooth decay or gum disease, the dentist will treat these concerns before placing the crown. Then, the dentist prepares the tooth, removing a small amount of enamel from the tooth so that there’s room for the crown to fit comfortably and not interfere with the bite. This procedure is performed with a local anesthetic, to prevent any discomfort or pain. Once the tooth is prepared, the dentist will fit a temporary crown over the tooth to protect it while the crown is being made. Before placing this temporary crown, the dentist will measure the size and shape of the affected tooth, using digital imaging or a physical mold, and make a note of the tint of the surrounding teeth. These measurements are sent to a lab, where the permanent ceramic crown is custom-crafted to perfectly match the surrounding teeth. Once the crown is crafted, the dentist removes the temporary crown and secures the ceramic crown with dental cement. Finally, the dentist makes any necessary fit adjustments to ensure that the crown won’t interfere with the bite or irritate the surrounding tissues, polishing the crown and sending you off with a refurbished, confident smile. Be sure to closely follow aftercare recommendations from your dentist, and maintain diligent oral hygiene habits; with the proper care, you can help your ceramic dental crowns protect and enhance your smile for fifteen years or longer.