Why Do Dentists Suggest Teeth Crowns/Dental Crowns to Patients?
Imagine you have a tooth that’s damaged, decayed or has had a large filling that needs more support. In these situations, dentists often suggest using a dental crown. A dental crown is like a tooth-shaped cap that fits over your tooth to protect it and make it stronger. Crowns can help restore a tooth’s shape, size, and function. They are used for several reasons:
Protection: If a tooth is cracked or weakened, a crown can hold it together and prevent further damage.
Restoration: Crowns can rebuild a tooth that has been worn down or broken.
Support: A crown can give extra support to teeth with large fillings and prevent the tooth from breaking.
Cosmetic Improvement: Crowns can also improve the appearance of a tooth, making it look more natural and attractive.
What Are the Different Varieties of Teeth Crowns Offered by the Dentist?
Dentists offer various types of crowns, each made from different materials. Here are some common types:
Metal Crowns: Made from metals like gold, palladium, or nickel. They are solid and durable but don’t look like natural teeth, so they are usually used for back teeth.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns: These have a metal base covered with porcelain to match the colour of your natural teeth. They look better than all-metal crowns but can sometimes show a dark line near the gums.
All-Ceramic or All-Porcelain Crowns: These crowns look natural and are great for front teeth. They aren’t as strong as metal crowns but blend well with your other teeth.
Zirconia Crowns: Made from a crystal called zirconia, these crowns are solid and look natural. They combine the strength of metal crowns with the natural appearance of ceramic crowns.
Resin Crowns: These are made from a plastic-like material and are less expensive and durable. They can wear down or break more quickly than other types of crowns.
What Are the Differences Between Zirconia Teeth Crowns and Metal Crowns?
Zirconia crowns and metal crowns each have their pros and cons. Here are some key differences:
Appearance: Zirconia crown looks natural and can be colour-matched to your other teeth. On the other hand, metal crowns do not look like natural teeth and are usually silver or gold in colour.
Strength: Both zirconia and metal crowns are solid and durable. However, zirconia crowns can sometimes be more brittle than metal crowns, which are more flexible and less likely to crack under pressure.
Comfort: Zirconia crowns are biocompatible and unlikely to cause allergic reactions or irritation. Some people might be allergic to the metals used in metal crowns.
Cost: Zirconia crowns tend to be more expensive than metal crowns because of their aesthetic appeal and the advanced technology used to make them.
What Is the Cost of Zirconia Teeth Crowns?
The cost of zirconia crowns can vary depending on several factors, such as where you live, the dentist’s experience, and the complexity of your case. A zirconia crown can cost between $800 and $2,000 per tooth. While this is more expensive than some other types of crowns, many people find the benefits of durability, appearance, and biocompatibility worth the investment.
How Are Zirconia Teeth Crowns Fixed in the Mouth?
Fixing a zirconia crown involves a few key steps:
Tooth Preparation: The dentist shapes the tooth to make space for the crown.
Impression: An impression of your tooth creates a custom-fit crown.
Crown Preparation: The impression is sent to a lab where the zirconia crown is made.
Temporary Crown: You wear a temporary crown while the permanent one is being made.
Fitting the Crown: The dentist removes the temporary crown and places the zirconia crown on your tooth. They check the fit, shape, and colour, making necessary adjustments.
Cementing the Crown: Once everything is perfect, the dentist cements the zirconia crown, ensuring it fits snugly and comfortably.
How Are Zirconia Teeth Crowns Made in the Lab?
Creating a zirconia crown involves advanced technology and precise craftsmanship. Here’s how it’s done:
Digital Scanning: Your prepared tooth’s impression or digital scan is sent to a dental lab.
Design: Using computer-aided design (CAD) software, technicians design the crown to fit your tooth perfectly.
Milling: The design is then sent to a machine that carves the crown from a solid block of zirconia. This ensures a high level of accuracy and strength.
Sintering: To harden the milled crown in a furnace at very high temperatures.
Finishing: Finally, the crown is polished and stained to match the colour of your natural teeth, creating a seamless look.
This detailed process ensures that the zirconia crown is durable, precisely fitted, and aesthetically pleasing.
Zirconia crowns are a fantastic option for many people, offering a great blend of strength, durability, and natural appearance. With proper care, they can last for many years, helping to keep your smile healthy and beautiful. If you’re considering a crown, talk to your dentist about whether a zirconia crown might suit you.
