CROWNS
A crown is a type of dental restoration that restores the part of the tooth that is visible in the mouth. When cemented into place it fully cups over that portion of a tooth above the gum. Since it encases the entire visible aspect of a tooth, a dental crown, in effect, becomes the tooth's new outer surface. Crowns are used to protect and restore a damaged, weakened or heavily filled tooth. At the same time they can improve the appearance of discoloured or crooked teeth.
Pontcanna Dental Care uses crowns made out of a variety of materials, porcelain, metal or a combination of both, porcelain-fused-to-metal. We might recommend placing a crown on a tooth for a variety of reasons... restoring/improving the shape of a tooth, to strengthen a tooth or to improve the cosmetic appearance of teeth. In the case of porcelain crowns they are designed to match the colour of your other teeth so they will look natural. Crowns can last for many years, depending on the health of the tooth underneath, and depending on how you look after your mouth.
We shape the tooth so that, it will be the same size and shape as a normal tooth when the artificial crown is fitted. The time this takes will depend on the amount of damage to the tooth. We may need to make a supportive core first, either directly onto the tooth or by placing a peg inside it. An exact impression is taken of what remains of the tooth that is to be crowned and the adjacent teeth so that a dental technician can make the crown.
Whilst the crown is being made, which normally takes about two weeks, a temporary crown made of plastic is put over the tooth. You can bite on a temporary crown but it is not as strong as the finished one.
During the crown fitting stage, we may need to make small adjustments to make sure you are comfortable with the crown. It is then cemented into place.
Benefits
1. A crown is strong and can look and feel like a natural tooth.
2. The colour and shape can be matched to your own teeth.
3. A crown can last for many years if you look after your mouth and teeth and the crown is not accidentally damaged.
4. Crowns can also improve appearance of crooked or discoloured teeth.
