By Isaac Axel
Dental crowns are used to repair damaged teeth. They can also also be used to support dental bridges and as a crown to restore dental implants. Dental crowns are ceramic or metal and are shaped like a tooth. The type of crown to be used will depend on the rectified dental condition and will be determined by the dentist.
There are different types of dental crowns. Metal crowns are less popular due to aesthetic problems. They are visible outside and therefore are not in an aesthetic way. However, they are very advantageous in terms of functionality. This is because they are very durable and have a long life. Common metals used to make dental crowns include gold, palladium and nickel and chrome alloys.
Ceramic crowns are made from porcelain ceramics, synthetic resins and other dental ceramics. One of the main advantages of ceramic crowns is that they are very similar to your tooth. Just like enamel, ceramics are also slightly translucent and have the same single natural chandelier as normal teeth.
The procedures of the dental crown involve two steps. First, the dentist will eliminate thin enamel layers of natural teeth to accommodate the crown. The nearby teeth are also prepared in the same way. An impression is then made and the crown is prepared in a dental laboratory. In the meantime, temporary crowns are placed for about two weeks. Once the permanent crown has been manufactured, the temporary crown is eliminated and the permanent crowns are then cemented in place.
Dental crowns have a long life. If appropriate oral hygiene is maintained, the crowns can last 10 to 15 years. After this period, crowns should be replaced. Crowns can also be replaced due to problems such as wear and tearing, dental caries or inappropriate adaptation during placement.
The average cost of the dental crown will vary from a dentist to the dentist. This will also depend on the quality of the materials used. Ceramic and porcelain crowns are more expensive than metal crowns. The fees charged by the dental surgeon, screening costs, etc. can also add significantly to the total amount you may have to pay.
