What are Teeth Crowns?
Teeth crowns are often also called caps. Most people hear “crown” or “cap” and groan because they know it’s going to be expensive. Getting teeth crowns is an expensive dental procedure, but they can be vitally important to the overall appearance and health of your mouth.
Caps get their name because they’re essentially a cap that’s shaped like your tooth that goes over the top of the tooth and is cemented in place. They cover the entire tooth all the way to the gum line. There are several different situations where teeth caps can be used. A cracked or broken tooth will often require a root canal, which removes the rest of the live root. Then a cap or crown is placed over the tooth.
A tooth that’s weak from lots of decay is something commonly given a crown. After a number of cavities, there can be more filling material than actual tooth. This makes the tooth weak, so a crown is put in place to provide structure and strength. Teeth that have been worn away from decay, teeth grinding, or age are often given teeth crowns. One common cause of worn teeth is dentures. If you have dentures on the top or the bottom, the real teeth that come into contact with the dentures when your mouth is closed will wear down over the time and probably need teeth crowns. Teeth with thin enamel for any reason can become painful and sensitive to touch and temperature. Caps eliminate this problem.
Teeth implants that take the place of real teeth are covered with crowns to give them a natural appearance. Crowns are often used to improve the appearance of teeth, too. Teeth that are discolored or crooked can be improved by covering them with crowns.
Teeth crowns can be made from a variety of different materials like metal or ceramic. Many crowns are actually metal bases covered with porcelain, to give them the strength of the metal but with a natural tooth-like appearance. Each different material has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Metal teeth crowns are best for molars because while they don’t look like your natural teeth, they’re easiest on your remaining teeth. The alloys used in these crowns don’t wear down natural enamel nearly as much as porcelain does. They’re the sturdiest, and they also require that less of your natural tooth be removed.
Porcelain over metal is a good choice for strength with a natural appearance. The porcelain can match your teeth, but if you have these teeth crowns in front, a dark line can show at the gum line where the metal shows through. So, you might not want these on your front teeth. The porcelain also wears your natural teeth more than metal.
Resin crowns are the least expensive, and also the least long-lasting. They wear and tend to break more than other types. While ceramic teeth crowns give the best natural appearance with no metal line at the gum, they wear on natural teeth more than metal or resin and are more costly.
