Getting a front tooth crown: Types, Procedure, Aftercare

posted byMuse Dental GroupSeptember 7, 2021

Did you decide to use a front tooth crown to repair a damaged tooth? If so, understand that it can restore the beauty of your teeth by providing you with the stability you need.

Our smile is the first facet that others notice us. It can build or destroy our self-esteem. When considering methods to repair broken or damaged teeth, the numerous steps a dentist might take can be confusing.

Generally, the front crown is placed after the root canal or dental implant procedure. You need to understand the entire crown process, from tooth preparation to subsequent care.

In this article we will be discussing the following things:

What is front Tooth Crown?

Over time, your teeth can be damaged. There are many reasons for this, such as injury, tooth decay, or simply long-term use. The shape and size of the teeth may be lost.

A front tooth crown is a tooth-shaped "cap" that can be put on top of a tooth. Think of it as a comfortable hat that fits your teeth. The crown can rebuild the shape, size, strength, and look of the teeth.

Types of Dental Crowns

Dental specialists make custom front tooth crowns to make sure they blend with the natural teeth' surroundings. When choosing a tooth crown material, the dentist will consider the following factors:

  • The position of the teeth
  • How many teeth can you see when you laugh
  • Position of the gum tissue
  • Functions of teeth that require crowns
  • How many natural teeth are left
  • Color of the surrounding teeth

You can choose from the following five types of crowns.

Porcelain-fused-to-metal Crowns

The most common crown and bridge restoration materials are a mixture of porcelain and metal. When porcelain and metal are heated at once, the oxides of porcelain and metal chemically fuse to form a permanent bond.

The metal crown with a fused porcelain tip is more vital than ordinary porcelain because a metal frame supports it. It also mingles perfectly with the shape, appearance, and function of your natural teeth.

Metal and gold alloys Crowns

There are different shapes and colors of the metal crown. These crowns are usually made of gold, copper, and other metals.

They give a strong bond, do not break easily, and do not wear teeth. Some metal crowns are made from solid and corrosion-resistant non-noble metals.

The crown requires the elimination of tooth structure before it can be placed. Metal-based crowns require minimal removal and are a more conservative choice.

Stainless steel Crowns (SSCs)

Stainless steel crowns are only used to repair baby teeth. Stainless steel crowns SSCs are positioned after pulpotomy treatment or when normal cavity filling (such as amalgam filling) can fail.

Cosmetic Crowns (Ceramic)

The ceramic crown is made of porcelain. In odontology, porcelain is used to make tooth-colored dental materials, such as cosmetic crowns that represent natural teeth' look, shape, and function.

Ceramic crown on isolated background

The ceramic crown restores the front teeth and melds with the natural color of the teeth. They are solid, durable, and not easy to chip or break.

The most common replacement for all-ceramic crowns is metallic "zirconia."

All-resin Crowns

All resin restorations are cheaper than metal, gold, ceramic, and porcelain crowns. But dentists generally do not recommend resin crowns because they are prone to fractures, wear and tears and do not last long.

Resin is a thinner and more brittle material than other dental restorations such as metal and porcelain. Resin restorations are used only on rotten primary teeth, not permanent teeth.

When is a Tooth Crown needed?

A tooth crown may be necessary for the following conditions:

  • Protect brittle teeth (for example, from tooth decay) from breaking or combine some broken teeth
  • Repair damaged or badly worn teeth
  • When there aren't many teeth, use a large filling to cover and support the teeth.
  • Keep the bridge in place
  • Coverage of deformed or brutally discolored teeth
  • Cover the implants
  • To make changes to the appearance

For children, the crown can be used on primary teeth for the following purposes:

  • To save teeth that are damaged by cavities and cannot support a filling.
  • Front tooth crown protects the teeth of children at high risk of tooth decay. It is especially true if the child has difficulty maintaining daily oral hygiene.
  • Reduce the frequency of general anesthesia for children who cannot fully meet the requirements for proper dental care due to age, behavior, medical history, etc.

In such cases, the pediatric dentist may suggest a stainless-steel crown.

Tooth Crown procedure

The procedure depends on whether the dentist chooses a multi-day surgical procedure or a same-day surgical procedure.

The multi-day procedure with a temporary crown

With a traditional crown, you have to go to the dentist's office twice.

The dentist examines and prepares the teeth that require the crown. It may include x-rays of the teeth. They can also pre-mold your teeth and mouth.

Your dentist will file down and remove a portion of the outer layer of the tooth.

An impression will be made of your trimmed tooth and the surrounding teeth.

The dentist places a temporary crown on the tooth to shield it.

They sent the impression to the laboratory where the crown was made. This procedure can take several weeks.

When the crown arrives, return to your second visit to allow the dentist to secure the crown to your teeth.

Same-day procedure

You can skip the temporary crown step in the procedure of the same day.

The dentist will get a digital picture of your mouth.

The dentist uses a digital scan of the photo to make a crown in the office. It may take 1-2 hours to complete the crown.

After the crown is prepared, the dentist will fix it in place. The whole process takes 2-4 hours.

In some situations, you can return to work during the waiting period.

Not all dentists have the skills to make same-day crowns. Ask your dentist if this option is accessible and price, particularly if you do not have dental insurance.

How much do Crowns cost?

The cost of the crown depends on the part of the country you live in and the type of crown you choose (for example, porcelain, and gold).

Usually, the cost of a crown ranges from $ 800 to $ 1,700 per crown. Part of the cost of the crown is generally covered by insurance. Of course, please consult your dental insurance company.

Aftercare of Front Tooth Crown

The key to positive front tooth crown surgery is with the aftercare provided.

Here are few things to consider for aftercare of Tooth Crown:

Foods to avoid

Keep distance from hot or cold foods, as front tooth crown will make your teeth feel more vulnerable than normal.

The crown material easily monitors these intense temperatures. Also, avoid sticky food that sticks to the crown. Everything that puts excessive pressure on the crown can cause it to loosen and eventually fall out.

Flossing methods

Notice that the dental floss is stuck on the edge of the crown. You want to prevent the floss from getting caught on the edge and lifting. That puts pressure on the crown and can also cause it to loosen.

Conclusion

Regardless of the type of front tooth crown you get, be sure to discuss the process, recovery, and care with your oral care provider.

A tooth crown is a standard and safe operation that can shield your teeth for many years and restore your smile to a natural and healthy glow.

When it comes to crowns, there are many options. No crown is suitable for everyone, but some types are more attractive than others.

In the end, it can be summarized according to your specific needs. Discuss with your dentist which type of crown is best for you and your dental needs.

It is a brief overview of what you need to know. For more information on the crown, see Muse Dental Group.

Please get in touch with us.

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