Dental Crowns are typically used to cover and support the teeth after a large filling or when there is not enough of the tooth left to support itself such as, after an injury. Dental crowns can be permanent or temporary.
Dental Crowns provide support for other dental procedures, protect weak teeth from breaking or can be used to repair broken teeth. Dental crowns are great for cosmetic modifications and are also a good way to treat discolored or malformed teeth or discolored or misshapen implants.
There is a wide variety of material that dental crowns come in to match the color of your teeth or your personal taste:
- Metal (stainless steel, gold, other alloys)
- Porcelain fused to metal
- All resin
- All ceramic or all porcelain
- Zirconia or milled crowns
If you received a temporary crown you will want to minimize the chance of it dislodging or breaking. Follow these rules to maximize the life of your temporary crown: avoid sticky foods, do some of your chewing on the other side of your mouth, avoid hard foods, and slide material out when flossing rather than lifting it out.
Dental crowns may last up to 15 years with good oral hygiene and regular check-ups. Ultimately, wear and tear on your teeth will determine the lifespan of your dental crown. So, avoid mouth related habits such as, grinding your teeth, clenching your teeth, chewing ice, biting fingernails, and using your teeth to open packages.
