A dental crown is a customized cap that covers a damaged tooth. They’re designed to restore a tooth’s shape and size, providing a long-lasting tooth restoration solution that looks great and functions well. While your dentist in Airdrie will recommend a dental crown to repair a cracked or broken tooth, crowns can be used for:
- Tooth restoration after root canal treatment
- Cosmetic purposes to hide discoloured or misshapen teeth
- Large cavities that can’t be filled
- Missing teeth
- Teeth that are close to breaking
Dental crowns Airdrie
Different types of dental crown materials
Dental crowns in Airdrie are made from a variety of materials and the right one will depend on a number of factors such as the colour of the surrounding teeth, condition of the tooth, function of the tooth, and the patient’s preference. The different types include:
- Ceramic or porcelain – This material is typically chosen for cosmetic purposes as they provide a natural colour match. They’re commonly used for front teeth restorations for their appearance. Ceramic or porcelain crowns are not as strong as metal crowns.
- Metal – Metal is one of the most durable materials for dental crowns and can handle the wear and tear of biting and chewing. They’re often used for molars or near the back of the mouth because of their colour.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal – This option gives you the best of both worlds, providing the strength of metal and the natural appearance of porcelain.
- Zirconia – This material is a relatively new type of crown that’s gaining in popularity. Zirconia offers durability and longevity, with a lower risk of cracking compared to ceramic and porcelain crowns.
- All-resin – While the most cost-effective choice, resin does have a tendency to wear down quicker and have a higher risk of fracturing than other materials.
How long dental crowns in Airdrie last
Dental crowns can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years, depending on the material and how well they are taken care of. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns typically last the longest while all porcelain or all ceramic crowns have the shortest lifespan.
However, patients can prolong the life of their crown with proper oral hygiene and good maintenance. Continue to follow the recommended oral health guidelines of brushing twice a day, flossing everyday, and seeing your Airdrie dentist regularly. Additionally, avoid hard foods and follow your dentist’s recommendations. Dental crowns can be costly, so you want to protect and prolong the life of your investment as much as possible!
