Sometimes dental crowns are necessary in the case of severe tooth damage. If a cavity has damaged too much of your tooth, or if a tooth is completely stained, or if you want it for cosmetic reasons. But what is really involved with a dental crown, and what types are available?
Types of Dental Crowns
Depending on what the reason for getting a crown is, your dentist may suggest one of four different types of dental crowns. Each one has their own unique purposes and advantages.
- Ceramic crowns
- Porcelain crowns
- Resin crowns
- Stainless steel crowns
Cosmetic crowns are typically made up of porcelain or ceramic because these materials mimic the look and feel of natural teeth. A stainless steel crown may be applied to a tooth that is not typically visible or for temporary teeth.
Time Frame for Dental Crowns
Dental crowns typically take two separate visits. The first visit will be so that your dentist can examine the tooth and determine whether or not it is strong enough to support a crown. If it can, then your dentist will begin to file it down a little so that a crown can fit over the tooth naturally. Once the tooth is filed down, your dentist will give you a temporary crown, and your permanent crown will start being produced.
The second visit, your dentist will remove the temporary crown and replace it with your new, permanent crown.
Your new crown will most likely feel a little awkward for the first few days, but eventually, you will get used to it. After a little while, you won’t even notice your crown. If you had it applied for cosmetic reasons, then you will be able to enjoy your crown right away. Don’t worry if it doesn’t feel natural at first. Eventually, you won’t know what life was like before your crown!
