A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that completely covers a damaged or decayed tooth. It's essentially a "cap" that fits snugly over the remaining tooth structure, restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Understanding what a dental crown looks like involves considering both its material and its placement in the mouth.
What Materials are Dental Crowns Made Of?
The appearance of a dental crown heavily depends on the material used. Common materials include:
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Porcelain: Porcelain crowns are highly aesthetically pleasing because they can be precisely color-matched to your natural teeth. They look incredibly natural and blend seamlessly with your smile. However, they are slightly more fragile than other materials.
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Metal (Gold, Alloy): Metal crowns, often gold or an alloy of different metals, are very strong and durable. They last longer than porcelain crowns but are less aesthetically pleasing as they are usually noticeable. They're often used for back teeth where aesthetics are less of a concern.
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Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM): These crowns combine the strength of a metal base with the aesthetic appeal of a porcelain exterior. The metal is hidden underneath the porcelain, offering a good balance of strength and natural appearance.
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Zirconia: Zirconia crowns are strong, durable, and aesthetically pleasing. They're becoming increasingly popular due to their biocompatibility and natural tooth-like appearance. They are generally more expensive than porcelain crowns.
What Does a Dental Crown Look Like in the Mouth?
Once placed, a dental crown should look like a natural tooth. A well-placed crown will be:
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Color-matched: The dentist will strive to match the color of the crown to your existing teeth to make it as inconspicuous as possible.
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Properly shaped and sized: The crown will be shaped and sized to fit seamlessly with your other teeth, maintaining the natural contours of your smile.
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Smooth and polished: A finished crown will have a smooth surface, preventing food from getting trapped and ensuring comfort.
What Does the Process of Getting a Crown Look Like?
Getting a dental crown is a multi-step process. It usually involves:
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Tooth preparation: The dentist will remove a layer of enamel from the tooth to make room for the crown.
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Impression taking: An impression (mold) of your tooth will be taken to create a model for the lab to fabricate your custom crown.
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Temporary crown: You'll receive a temporary crown while waiting for the permanent crown to be made.
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Permanent crown placement: Once the permanent crown is ready, the dentist will cement it into place.
How Long Does a Dental Crown Last?
The lifespan of a dental crown depends on the material used, oral hygiene practices, and overall oral health. With proper care, a crown can last for 10-15 years or even longer.
Can I Tell if Someone Has a Dental Crown?
In most cases, you can't tell if someone has a dental crown. High-quality crowns are designed to blend seamlessly with natural teeth. Only a dentist or someone very familiar with that person's teeth can usually tell.
Are Dental Crowns Noticeable?
No, well-fitted and color-matched dental crowns are not usually noticeable. Modern dental technology allows for the creation of highly lifelike crowns that are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth.
What is the Difference Between a Crown and a Veneer?
While both crowns and veneers improve the appearance of teeth, they are different. A crown covers the entire tooth, while a veneer only covers the front surface. Veneers are typically used for cosmetic improvements, while crowns are used for structural support and repair.
