What Are Tooth Crowns?
Your smile is your confidence, and that’s why no one loves tarnished teeth that steal attention. While a few people go for professional teeth whitening procedures or whitening treatments to solve this, many prefer tooth crowns because of their enormous advantages. So, you’re not alone!
You’ll require a white tooth crown when decay weakens your natural teeth. Notably, tooth decay is painful and often causes pulpitis or infections in the deep roots of your gum. In most scenarios, dentists advise a root canal procedure to pluck off the decayed tooth and ease the discomfort.
Once the root canal procedure is done, the infected tissues are removed, and a hole is left behind in the tooth enamel. Here’s where the white tooth crown comes in; to cover the removed or injured tooth. You’ll understand more about tooth crowns in this article – even what you didn’t learn in class!
What Are Tooth Crowns Made Of?
When professional teeth whitening products do not favour you, a white tooth crown will not disappoint. Notably, tooth crowns come in different materials ranging from ceramics to resins to porcelain to metals. The difference in the materials makes the dental crowns differ in price and popularity.
Metal dental crowns also come in various choices, including nickel, chromium, gold, and palladium. These tooth crowns are strong and neither break nor chip. Their robust nature makes them durable but much more expensive. Resin crowns are quite affordable but easily break and quickly wear down.
The all-porcelain or all-ceramic crowns give a natural colour match and are good choices for patients with metal allergies. Dentists recommend these options for front decayed teeth, though they are not very strong. Pressed ceramic crowns have a porcelain overlay that provides the exact colour match. The crowns are strong and durable compared to all-porcelain tooth crowns.
Many people love the crowns as they do not need special care or maintenance besides regular oral hygiene. Most dentists will place the tooth crown on top of the damaged tooth to cover, protect, or restore your natural tooth’s shape.
Types of Tooth Crowns
When you’re ready to have a white tooth crown, the first thing that comes to your mind is, “Which type of tooth crown should I go for?” The type of crown you choose will depend on a number of factors like cost, procedure, dentist’s advice, and your needs. The top 5 common tooth crown types are;
- Gold crown
These crowns combine copper and metals like chromium or nickel. They are the costliest but combine advantages like durability, strength, and quality. If you need back restorations, your dentist will recommend this dental crown, especially the second molars.
However, the bright aesthetics and colour of the crowns make them a less preferred choice since they do not match the features and desired shade of the surrounding teeth. Further, the alloys used in designing the crowns tend to affect patients with teeth allergies. If not well placed, they could have adverse side effects like swelling.
- Porcelain Crown
The porcelain crown ranks among the most popular dental-correction tools in today’s world. The porcelain crowns are purely made from porcelain and will give you a natural look. They blend perfectly with your teeth, and people may not notice the difference.
The crowns match the surrounding tooth colour, shape, and size in your mouth. A porcelain crown is the recommended option for restoring front teeth. Unlike gold-crowns, these options are biocompatible, and since no metal is infused, they’re toxic-free and suitable for patients with teeth allergies.
- Fused-to-Metal Crown
Like the all-porcelain crowns, these crowns match well with your teeth’s colour, size, and shape. They also offer a natural tooth colour. The only limitation with these choice crowns is that the metal found beneath the porcelain cap of the dental crown shows a dark line, and many feel uncomfortable with this feature. Your dentist will explain that the metal infusion may also be unsuitable if you have teeth allergies.
Unlike the all-porcelain crowns, these fused crowns are prone to breaking off and chipping. In worst-case scenarios, the crowns may affect the natural teeth near or opposite them. They are the recommended choice for back or front teeth.
- Zirconia Crown
These crowns are not very popular since they are still new in the market. They are an excellent choice that combines the natural looks of a porcelain crown and the strength of a metal crown. They last long and rarely wear down. Additionally, zirconia crowns are biocompatible and not likely to trigger allergic reactions.
- E-MAX: Lithium Disilicate Crown
Dentists confirm that lithium disilicate crowns are the latest types in dentistry. These options are very thin, light, and comfortable to wear. This new crown is all-ceramic but also made from lithium disilicate.
They come with great aesthetics, and the thin shape makes them look natural when you smile. Also, lithium disilicate new crowns are strong and durable, providing an excellent choice for the back and front teeth.
Why Does Your Tooth Crown Look Whiter Than Your Natural Teeth?
Matching the colour of your crown’s teeth to that of your natural teeth is quite impossible. That is because your teeth have a natural shade, which isn’t just white colour. When exposed to discolouration, they tend to darken and appear duller than the tooth crown. You may notice that your tooth crown looks whiter than the natural tooth structure.
Before you whiten your teeth at home using over the counter whitening products or professional whitening that may affect the remaining tooth, understand the case. Notably, extrinsic stains that discolour your tooth structure include berries, salty water, red wine, tea, coffee, wine, and smoking. On the other hand, intrinsic surface stains could be hereditary or come from ageing.
If you notice that your natural teeth structure appears duller than most crowns due to extrinsic minor stains, you can consider professional teeth whitening. Notably, extrinsic stains can go away with teeth whitening products like hydrogen peroxide, carbamide peroxide, bleaching agent, whitening toothpaste, whitening agent, or over-the-counter products at a local store. However, intrinsic minor stains tend to be permanent.
Summary
Knowing the tooth crown that is suitable for your needs is not enough. You also need a dentist who will carry out the work professionally and advise on the suitable dental work; professional teeth whitening, composite resin, dental canal, whiten my teeth treatment, or installation of a dental crown. The dentist will examine your other teeth to determine whether they should be left unchanged the same way or undergo whitening treatment.
At Boon Dental, you will meet a general dentist who’ll explain the suitable treatment crown options for you, including the suitable teeth whitening procedure for your needs. So, are you still looking for the best dentist in town? Contact our friendly team today at (02) 8188 4273 or click here to learn more about our dental services. Visit our dental office, and we will do our best to restore the confidence in your whiter smile. The best dentistry in town!
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