Dental crowns are one of the most popular types of fixed dental fixtures that are used for dental treatment, so in this article we will discuss a lot of information about (dental crowns – fixed fixtures), reasons for their use, and ways to maintain them.
What are dental crowns?
Dental crowns are artificial fixtures, and they are part of the fixtures known as fixed fixtures. Dental crowns are used to replace the missing part of the original teeth, in order to preserve the aesthetic shape and function of the teeth.
Why do you need dental crowns – fixed fixtures?
You may need a dental crown for several reasons, including:
● Provide the necessary protection for weak teeth (for several reasons, including decay) from fracture.
● Try to keep the weak tooth in its entirety, in case parts of it are cracked.
● Restoration of broken or severely worn out teeth due to pathological reasons, or some external factors.
● Covering and supporting the tooth.
● Fixing dental bridges in place.
● Covering deformed teeth.
● As part of the dental implant process.
● Covering the treated tooth in case of root canal treatment.
Materials used in the manufacture of fixed prosthodontics – crowns
Many materials can go into making dental crowns, such as:
● Metals: Many metals are used in the manufacture of dental crowns, such as gold, palladium, nickel and chromium. Extreme hardness and durability are among the most important advantages of dental crowns made of metal, as metal crowns rarely crack or break, and they can also withstand the force of biting and chewing, but the metallic color is the main drawback of this type of crown, so it is often used in back molars. out of sight.
● Porcelain: Crowns made entirely of porcelain or porcelain are one of the ideal options for the front teeth, as they provide the best match to the natural color compared to any other type of crowns, and they are also a very good option for those who suffer from sensitivity to metals. Despite this, it does not have the strength and hardness of porcelain crowns fused to metal, or metal, and it also causes erosion of the corresponding teeth in the mouth a little more than metal or resin crowns.
Porcelain dental fixtures
● Porcelain fused to metal: This type combines the advantages of both porcelain (porcelain) and metal, as its color can be matched very easily with the natural color of the teeth, and it is characterized by extreme hardness and durability. However, despite this, its disadvantage is that sometimes the metal under the porcelain cover of the crown appears as a dark line in the gums, and other defects may include the possibility of breaking the ceramic part of the crown or crown erosion, which may affect other teeth, and specifically the teeth that They come into contact with the crown above and below the mouth when closed.
● Resin: Dental crowns made of resin are among the least expensive types of crowns, however, they wear out over time and are more prone to breakage than porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns that are temporary.
Zircon dental fixtures
● Zirconium: Dental zircon is considered one of the latest materials used in conservative dental treatment. Dental crowns made of zircon are characterized by strength, hardness, ease of formation, and closeness of their color to the natural color of the teeth. However, they are considered one of the highest materials in price. .
Risks related to dental crowns
Over time, some problems with dental crowns may appear, such as:
● Teeth sensitivity: After the installation of dental crowns, it is possible to feel tooth sensitivity, which is a feeling of tooth pain when eating cold or hot food or drink. This feeling usually goes away within a few days, if not, it is best to follow up with your dentist.
● Crown fracture: The crown of the tooth may fracture as a result of constant pressure and wear, or misuse.
● A loose crown: Sometimes, the cement (adhesive) under the crown can loosen from under the crown, allowing bacteria to seep in and cause decay in the remaining teeth.
● Allergic reaction: It is possible to have an allergic reaction to the metal or porcelain used in the dental crown.
● The appearance of a dark line on the crowned tooth next to the gum line: Sometimes, a dark line may appear next to the gum line in the tooth that bears the crown, which is normal and often happens if you have a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown.
How to maintain fixed fixtures – crowns for as long as possible?
● Avoid biting nails or using teeth to bite hard foods.
● To take care of the health of the teeth by brushing them twice a day with brush and toothpaste.
● Use mouthwash at least once a day.
● Visit the dentist every six months.
● Smoking cessation.
