A dental crown, often called a “cap,” is a custom-made restoration that completely encases a damaged or weakened tooth. It is designed to restore the tooth’s natural shape, size, and strength while improving its overall appearance.
Why You Might Need a Crown
At DentalHouse Castor, we may recommend a crown for several restorative reasons:
- Protection: To strengthen a tooth weakened by decay or a large filling.
- Restoration: To repair a broken or severely worn-down tooth.
- Post-Treatment Support: To protect and seal a tooth after a root canal.
- Cosmetic Enhancement: To cover misshapen or severely discoloured teeth.
Common Materials
Crowns can be crafted from various materials depending on the tooth’s location and your aesthetic goals:
- Porcelain or Ceramic: Best for front teeth as they offer the most natural colour match.
- Zirconia: A highly durable ceramic often used for back teeth because it withstands heavy chewing forces.
- Metal Alloys: Made from gold, silver, or other metals; these are extremely strong but less discreet.
- Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM): Combines the strength of metal with the natural look of porcelain.
The Typical Procedure
Getting a crown usually requires two appointments:
- Preparation: The dentist reshapes the tooth to ensure the crown fits properly and takes an impression or scan. A temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth in the interim.
- Fitting: Once your custom crown is ready (typically 1–2 weeks later), the temporary is removed, and the permanent crown is cemented into place
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