Dental crowns, or caps, protect teeth, especially when they are fabricated from porcelain, which closely mimics a natural tooth while being very strong.
Although teeth are the hardest substance in the human body, they can be damaged in many ways. Everyone experiences tooth decay (also known as dental caries) at some point; it’s second only to the common cold in frequency. The best preventative measure is to brush thoroughly for two minutes after breakfast and dinner, and floss at the end of the day. However, if decay is extensive, a crown may be necessary after removal and filling of the decayed area to restore proper function and form.
While tooth enamel is incredibly hard, it can be eroded by acidic beverages such as sodas (even sugar-free ones). The acid in each swing sip can affect the enamel for up to 20 minutes. Consuming water or brushing immediately afterward helps reduce the negative impact.
Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)
Many people grind their teeth while they sleep (a condition known as bruxism), due to physical or emotional stress. If a partner doesn’t notice, the individual may not even know this occurs. Over time, bruxism can wear down the tops of the teeth. Crowns can protect teeth from this damage, and a personalized night guard (similar to a sports mouthguard) can be created to be worn during sleep to prevent further grinding.
An accident can cause a tooth to be chipped or fractured. In such cases, a crown can hold it together. Crowns are crafted by a top dental lab to match the exact shade of the neighboring teeth, so it will blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
Tooth Discoloration
Discolored teeth can be covered with a crown to improve appearance when whitening is not sufficient.
Misaligned Teeth
Misshapen or misaligned teeth can be covered with a cap that improves your bite.
If a tooth has been knocked out or becomes loose due to periodontal disease and needs to be extracted, a crown can be part of the replacement. A crown looks exactly like the visible part of the missing tooth and can be created and held in place over the gap by a fixed bridge attached to the neighboring teeth. This restores a normal appearance and also prevents misalignment. Unless the other teeth are prevented from moving, they will naturally start to lean in towards the gap and become loose.
Unfortunately, a partial denture does not prevent this process when it replaces missing teeth. Natural erosion of the jawbone that supports the teeth continues. This can be stopped with a dental implant, which is anchored into the jawbone. Topped by a crown, this allows for better chewing and clearer speaking, compared with a denture. Implants can, with proper care, be a permanent solution to missing teeth.
We encourage you to schedule a comprehensive dental examination to determine the best options for your oral health, whether it involves crowns or other treatments.
By Alexander Ash, DDS
Dr. Ash is the founder of Studio Dental Care. He earned his Doctorate at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, followed by two General Residencies at New York-Presbyterian / Weill-Cornell Hospital and the UCLA Sepulveda VA Hospital.