Dental crowns are specially made caps that are placed over the teeth for restorations or for cosmetic reasons. They are made of different materials depending upon the needs of the specific patient, and can be used on both the front and back teeth. For those seeking restorative or cosmetic dentistry in Denver, our offices can supply dental crowns in addition to helping you maintain your overall dental health.
Common Uses for Crowns
Crowns were once commonly used to correct numerous kinds of cosmetic issues. In recent years, however, veneers are used more often, as this is a less invasive option. Now, crowns are more commonly used for teeth that have been cracked or broken. Also, a crown is placed as the last step in a root canal procedure. The crown serves to keep the tooth strong and protect it after the root canal is performed.
Crowns are also used to anchor bridges, which used to replace missing teeth. The crown is placed over the tooth adjacent to where the replacement tooth is positioned, and holds the replacement tooth in place.
How Crowns are Placed
Before a crown is put into place, the tooth beneath must be reshaped to accommodate it. The tooth is ground down to a peg-like shape. Once the tooth has been shaped, the crown will then in turn be made from this cast. A temporary crown protects the tooth from injury while the permanent, custom-made crown is fabricated, usually in a special dentistry lab.
When the permanent crown arrives, the dentist removes the temporary crown and sets the permanent crown in place. The dentist carefully adjusts the crown until the patient’s bite is perfect, to prevent uneven wear, sensitivity, and discomfort.
Dental crowns can be made of metal, porcelain, or metal covered with porcelain. Back teeth are usually fitted with metal crowns or porcelain-covered metal because of the stress they must endure under normal conditions. Front teeth are often treated with natural-colored porcelain crowns for aesthetic reasons.
To learn more about dental crowns, please call Governor’s Park Dental Group at 303-832-7789 to schedule your consultation.