Cosmetic Dentistry – Crowns

Cosmetic dental crowns are protective covers that are fitted over the existing sub-structure of a damaged or broken tooth. Until recently, porcelain was the material of choice due to its natural aesthetic qualities.

Now, full ceramic crowns are available which are not only stronger but also in the opinion of many, cosmetically superior to porcelain. This is because porcelain crowns were traditionally built on top of a metal base to support strong biting forces. Unfortunately this often led to the dark line apparent at the junction between the gum and crown.

Newer ceramic materials avoid this and aesthetically are nearly indistinguishable from natural teeth.

Cosmetic Crowns – the process:

Initially the cosmetic dentist will shape the tooth with the patient under local anaesthetic. After this, an impression of the shaped tooth is taken using a rubber-like material and the finished mould sent to the laboratory for the crown to be manufactured. The cosmetic dentist will also undertake careful colour matches to ensure that the crown is the same colour as the surrounding teeth.

Whilst the crown is being made, the prepared tooth will likely be protected with a temporary crown – this is usually in place for just a couple of weeks.

Following removal of the temporary crown, the cosmetic dentist will fit the permanent crown by bonding it to the prepared tooth.

Advantages of Dental Crowns:

  • A correctly fitted cosmetic crown is virtually indistinguishable from the original tooth
  • Newer crown materials, “ceramics” have virtually eliminated the dark gum line problem associated with older crown materials
  • Crowns can be used in conjunction with other cosmetic dentistry techniques to create a full “smile makeover” to enhance appearance and confidence

Disadvantages of Dental Crowns:

  • Caution still has to be exercised with “heavy bites” to ensure that the crown is not damaged. However, newer materials and techniques have reduced these problems significantly – ask your cosmetic dentist for all the options
  • Cosmetic crowns involve invasive techniques whereby the underlying tooth has to be prepared to receive the crown overlay.
  • Cost! – crowns can be expensive. Depending on the work involved and the cosmetic dental practice chosen, prices up to and exceeding £500 per tooth are typical

As with all cosmetic dentistry treatments, crowns should only be performed by a trained cosmetic dentist so please do you research thoroughly.

Please read on to discover more facts about other popular cosmetic dentistry techniques...... Dental Bridges

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