subject: Dental Crowns - A Landmark In Dentistry [print this page] While they are often associated closely with cosmetic dentistry, dental crowns have several purposes that place them firmly in the category of functionality. In addition to making your teeth look better, these applications can be used to protect a weakened tooth or guard against further decay. Sometimes knows as "caps", they come in a variety of materials, including gold, ceramic, and porcelain. Each of these materials have their own set of pros and cons, and your dentist will make a recommendation for the best solution to your problem. Here are some facts about this landmark in dentistry.
Uses
Dental crowns are used extensively in the field of cosmetic dentistry. While many people think mostly of whitening when they talk about cosmetic dentistry, the field is actually much broader. After all, yellowing is hardly the only issue that can cause your smile to be less beautiful. Even if it is your only problem, do you really want to go through a full whitening process if only one tooth is discolored? Traditional whitening may not even work in these instances. On the other hand, a cap can cover the discolored tooth and make it blend in with your smile. They can also protect and strengthen teeth that are broken or decayed.
Process
To get dental crowns, your dentist will have to determine that the issue you're dealing with would be solved with this application. If you both decide to move forward with the process, the dentist will take a mold of your teeth. This mold will be sent off to the laboratory, where your application will be fabricated out of the material you've chosen. Often, a patient will be fitted with a temporary cap while waiting for the permanent application to be finished. It shouldn't take longer than a couple of weeks. At that time, you will be brought back into the office to have your permanent cap fitted.
Care
Dental crowns aren't susceptible to the same kinds of decay as your regular tooth. However, you still have a tooth underneath the cap, and you need to continue keeping the area clean. Continue with a regular brushing and flossing routine, following any special instructions you've been given by the dentist. Caps require some special care, as they can be broken or dislodged by too much force. You'll also want to avoid chewy, sticky foods, as these have a tendency to pull at the cap, which can rip it off the tooth. Your caps should last five to seven years with good care.
