Guide To Crowns And Caps

In the world of dentistry, the terms “crown” and “cap” are often used interchangeably. By definition, a crown is a dental covering that helps to repair a broken, cracked or fractured tooth without needing to implant a tooth surgically. The crown is matched to the color of the natural tooth, and if the patient wishes, it can also be capped or crowned with gold, or any other designs.

There are times when crowns are used alongside implants to replace a broken or lost tooth. Patients are also given dental crowns when they need to have a tooth partially removed in order to link it with the neighboring teeth, also known as abutment teeth.

What are the advantages of crowns?

• Crowns give you a new look: These days, dental crowns are made from porcelain fused with metal or composite resin. Since its look is natural, it can take away the ugliness of a cracked, broken or discolored tooth and restore your original smile.
• You’ll be more confident: Missing or jagged teeth don’t give you much reason to smile. But when your teeth are in place and look even, you can smile with confidence.
• They mimic your natural teeth: Porcelain and composite resin crowns look exactly like your natural teeth, in shape, size, luster and translucency.
• They don’t stain: Porcelain dental crowns do not stain, so people prefer it because they can eat and drink whatever they want.
• They are long-lasting: Normally, dental crowns are known to last for about 10-15 years, if the teeth are well taken care of. On top of good cleaning habits, this also means that you do not grind or clench your teeth excessively.
• They remain rooted to the spot: Unlike dentures, which can shift and slide, crowns stay in place because they are either cemented over your damaged tooth or implant, or anchored in place with a dental bridge to replace a missing tooth.

Here are a few disadvantages…

• Ground work leads to permanence: Once your dentist does all the necessary preparatory work for the crown to be fitted on your tooth, you can’t reverse it. Consider well before giving your dentist the “okay” to installing a crown.
• It needs regular maintenance: You need to practice good oral hygiene. If the crown is broken or damaged, you would need to revisit your dentist, and have it redone or replaced.
• Preparation for crowning includes grinding the tooth: For a fully natural tooth, preparing to crown it involves grinding a part of the tooth, which means destroying it to some extent.
• Porcelain crowns chip: Often, porcelain crowns chip, and this means another series of sessions with your dentist.
• Ill-fitting crowns lead to tooth decay: If a crown doesn’t fit well on your tooth, it could lead to tooth decay. They can also loosen, and even fall out. Replacements are another expense to add to the list!

If you are planning to get caps or crowns placed on your teeth, you can get a free dental consultation. A dentist will be able to determine the status of your problem and provide feasible solutions.