- the
tooth may have been weakened by having a very large
filling
- you
may have discoloured fillings and would like to
improve the appearance of the tooth.
- you
may have had a root filling which will require
a crown to protect it.
- you
may have had an accident and damaged the tooth.
- it
may hold a bridge or denture firmly in place.
- Porcelain bonded to precious
metal: This is what the majority of crowns
are made from. A precious metal base is
made and porcelain is then applied in layers
over it.
- Porcelain: These crowns
are not as strong as bonded crowns but
they can look very natural and are most
often used for front teeth, especially
for younger people.
- Precious metal (gold and
palladium): These crowns are very strong
and hard wearing, but are usually used
at the back of the mouth, where they are
not visible.
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No. The
crown will be made to match your other teeth exactly.
The shade of the neighbouring teeth will be recorded,
to make sure that the colour looks natural and matches
the surrounding teeth. This is done using both a shade
guide and digital photography. The technician will
be able to match the characteristics of your own teeth
with the help of the digital image. In some cases,
the characterisation is so detailed, the only way to
ensure a perfect match is to visit the laboratory and
allow the technician to see your teeth himself. This
can be arranged. A temporary crown, usually made in
plastic, will be fitted at the end of the first appointment
to last until the definitive one is ready. These temporary
crowns may be more noticeable, but they are only a
temporary measure.
No. A local anaesthetic is
used and the preparation should feel no different
to that of a filling.
Post
crowns may be used when the tooth has been root filled
or if there is no tooth remaining above the level of
the gum. The weakened crown of the tooth is drilled
off at the level of the gum. A double-ended 'post'
is constructed to fit into the root canal. This can
be either prefabricated Stainless Steel or custom made
of gold. One end of the post is cemented into the root
canal, and the other end holds the crown firmly in
place.
If
a root-filled tooth is not completely broken down,
it may be possible to build it up again using filling
material. This 'core' is then prepared in the same
way as a natural tooth and the impressions are
taken.
The
life of a crown will depend on how well it is looked
after. The crown itself cannot decay, but decay can
start where the edge of the crown joins the tooth.
It is very important to keep this area as clean as
your other teeth, or decay may occur which could endanger
the crown. Properly cared for crowns will last for
many years.
Once
the fit and appearance of the crown has been checked
- and approved by you - it will be cemented in place
with special dental cement. The cement also forms a
seal to help hold it firmly in place.
Because the shape of the crown will be slightly different
from the shape of the tooth before it was crowned,
you may be somewhat aware of it to begin with. Within
a few days it should feel fine, and you will become
unaware of it. The crown may need some adjustment if
it feels proud of the surrounding teeth. If it is at
all uncomfortable you should return so it can be checked
and adjusted.
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