Cosmetic Dentistry & Implant Dentistry
Las Vegas, Nevada
Dr. Henry Kim
Affectionate Dental Care

Excellence in Cosmetic Dentistry

What are Crowns?

A crown is a restoration that covers, or "caps," a tooth to restore it to its normal shape and size, strengthening and improving the appearance of a tooth. Crowns are necessary when a tooth is generally broken down and fillings won't solve the problem.

If a tooth is cracked, a crown holds the tooth together to seal the cracks so the damage doesn't get worse.

Crowns are also used to restore a tooth when there isn't enough of the tooth remaining to provide support for a large filling, attach a bridge, protect weak teeth from fracturing, restore fractured teeth or cover badly shaped or discolored teeth.

Especially, Crown, or PFM( Porcelain Fused To Metal Crown), is a MUST for a Root Canal treated Tooth as the Tooth with Root Canal are very weak, dry and brittle.

Types of Crowns:

Procera® Crown Alumina,Procera® Crown Zirconia -  Natural teeth transmit and refract light. Unlike crowns with metal substructures,

Procera ceramics let the light shine through whether you are using Alumina or Zirconia. Both Alumina and Zirconia materials are strong and result in long-lasting beauty that metal materials cannot match. However… For the best esthetics, Procera Alumina can be used in all areas of the mouth. For the best strength, Procera Zirconia is often used in the posterior area where biting forces are greater and for more complex rehabilitations with bridges and implants.
　

Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM)-This type of crown has been used in dental practices for a long time. Even though it is tooth colored, it has a very strong metal core inside. In fact, it is a little stronger than the all-ceramic crown. It is possible to reproduce this type of crown in the same color as natural teeth because of the porcelain overlay.
　

All-Ceramic Crown-Made of very hard porcelain, this is the newest and best material to use for tooth colored crowns. It produces excellent aesthetic results . Contemporary all-ceramic crowns are exceptionally strong. Current technology even allows bridges to be made using the latest all-ceramic material.

　

All-Gold Crown-
This material has been used for the longest period of time. Many dentists use this type of crown for teeth in the back of the mouth. Gold is a very strong material and it is less abrasive against our natural teeth.

　

How is a crown placed?

To prepare the tooth for a crown, it is reduced so the crown can fit over it. An impression of the teeth and gums is made and sent to the lab for the crown fabrication. A temporary crown is fitted over the tooth until the permanent crown is made. On the next visit, the dentist removes the temporary crown and cements the permanent crown onto the tooth.

Will it look natural?

Yes. The dentist's main goal is to create a crown that looks like a natural tooth. That is why your dentist takes an impression. To achieve a certain look, a number of factors are considered, such as the color, bite, shape and length of your natural teeth. Any one of these factors alone can affect your appearance.

If you have a certain cosmetic look in mind for your crown, discuss it with your dentist at your initial visit. When the procedure is complete, your teeth will not only be stronger, but they may be more attractive.

Why crowns and not veneers?

Crowns require more tooth structure removal, hence they cover more of the tooth than veneers. Crowns are customarily indicated for teeth that have sustained significant loss of structure or to replace missing teeth. Crowns may be placed on natural teeth or dental implants.

What is the difference between a cap and a crown?

There is no difference between a cap and a crown.

How long do crowns last?

Crowns should last approximately five to eight years. However, with good oral hygiene and supervision, most crowns will last for a much longer period of time. Some damaging habits like grinding your teeth, chewing ice or fingernail biting may cause this period of time to decrease significantly.

How should I take care of my crown?

To prevent damaging or fracturing the crown, avoid chewing hard foods, ice or other hard objects. You also want to avoid teeth grinding. Besides visiting your dentist and brushing twice a day, cleaning between your teeth is vital with crowns. Floss or interdental cleaners (specially shaped brushes and sticks) are important tools to remove plaque from the crown area where the gum meets the tooth. Plaque in that area can cause dental decay and gum disease.

© 2005 Henry Kim DDS