Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that are placed over teeth to protect functionality and restore strength, appearance and size. Crowns are sometimes needed to protect weak teeth, or hold them together after they’ve been cracked. Teeth with large fillings can benefit from the use of a crown as well. Some Crowns Boston are made from alloys fused to porcelain, and some are made of gold or other metals.
Why Are Crowns Necessary?
Dental Crowns in Boston are sometimes needed to hold teeth together or protect teeth that have been weakened, and they can keep patients from losing teeth altogether. Crowns are sometimes used to hold bridges in place, and they can be used as covers for severely discolored teeth or for dental implants.
The Construction Of Dental Crowns
Today, dental Crowns Boston are made from a variety of materials. Some are made entirely of gold, while others are made of metal alloys with a porcelain shell. Over time, porcelain/metal crowns can begin to show darkness at the gum line, which isn’t very aesthetically pleasing. Therefore, all-ceramic or all-porcelain crowns are a good choice.
In The Dentist’s Office
As with any dental procedure, the crown process starts when the patient consults with the dentist. After agreeing on a course of treatment, the dentist will clear the tooth of any potential decay. Once the tooth is ready, the dentist will take an impression using a special type of putty. Using the impression, the dental lab creates a crown to fit precisely over the natural tooth. Crown creation usually takes a few weeks, and dentists usually fit patients with temporary crowns for protection of natural teeth. On a subsequent visit, the dentist removes the temporary crown and roughens the outside of the natural tooth. Dental cement is applied, the full crown is placed, and it is cemented into place.
How Long Do Crowns Last?
Dental Crowns Boston are durable, but it is vital for patients to remember that they need the same level of care as natural teeth do. If you practice sound oral hygiene and you do not grind your teeth, crowns can last more than ten years.
