An aesthetic and healthy-looking smile is something everyone strives for. However, after losing a tooth or several teeth due to an accident, it is important to restore the tissues. Prosthetic treatment helps avoid more serious health problems and restores self-confidence. One of the most effective ways to enjoy a healthy-looking smile is dental crowns. Below, the specialists of “Ozo” Aesthetic Dentistry and Implantology Clinic provide useful insights into this method of restoring natural tissues.
Dental crowns and tooth crowns – how do they differ?
Dental crowns and tooth crowns do not differ in any way. They are synonymous terms used both by professionals and in everyday speech. This type of restoration belongs to fixed prosthetic restorations. These are artificial coverings that surround the remaining tooth or implant. The size, colour, and shape of crowns are selected individually according to the condition of the patient’s oral cavity. The restoration covers the visible part of the tooth from the gum line. This allows the damaged surface to be restored, strengthened, and protected.
When are dental crowns used?
This type of prosthetic treatment is performed when teeth are chipped, cracked, worn down, or otherwise damaged. Such damage may occur due to trauma, advanced caries, or aggravated bruxism. Avoiding restoration of natural tissues may disrupt digestive processes. It may also often lead to:
- lowering of the bite
- sunken cheeks;
- deformation of the temporomandibular joint.
For all these reasons, facial wrinkles form and begin to cause discomfort. In addition, psychological problems may develop over time. Therefore, specialists advise not to delay and to contact professionals in the field, who will ensure smooth restoration and a long-lasting result.
A dental crown is fixed onto a prepared natural tooth or an implant prosthetic abutment. A bridge prosthesis may restore the function of several missing teeth, making chewing more effective. Crowns and dental bridges can be made from several different materials. These are discussed in more detail in the next section.
Types of dental crowns
Today, three main materials used for dental crowns can be distinguished: metal-ceramic, metal-free ceramic, and zirconia ceramic. Each material is unique and has different properties. Below, we discuss each of these materials in more detail.
1. Metal-ceramic
A dental crown made of metal-ceramic is very strong, but it is not translucent. Therefore, although this material is long-lasting, it does not have a particularly aesthetic appearance. For this reason, metal-ceramic crowns are most often used to restore molars. Metal-ceramic is characterised by a low price and is a time-tested material that has been used in prosthetic production for many years.
2. Metal-free ceramic
A dental crown made of metal-free ceramic looks the most natural because it is translucent. The wear resistance and reaction to temperature changes of these metal-free ceramic prostheses are very similar to those of natural tissues. In order for the dental crown to be transparent and correspond as closely as possible to the structure of the tooth, it is created from several layers.
3. Zirconia ceramic
Such products are characterised by strength and durability. The framework of the crowns is made of zirconium oxide, which is covered with a layer of porcelain. Zirconia crowns on teeth do not cause any allergic reactions, as this material is biologically compatible with the natural tissues of the oral cavity.
Zirconia ceramic is significantly more translucent and aesthetic than metal-ceramic, but not as translucent as metal-free ceramic. Therefore, this material is most often used to conceal metal posts, dark, non-vital, or stained teeth. Of course, if needed, zirconia ceramic can also be used to restore molars.
Today, more and more patients choose tissue restoration with metal-free or zirconia ceramic. This is not surprising, as everyone wants to enjoy a beautiful, naturally looking smile. For each dental restoration, it is important to choose the most suitable construction and material. During the consultation, the dentists of “Ozo” Aesthetic Dentistry and Implantology Clinic help select the solution that is most suitable individually. This is usually determined by the condition of the oral cavity, preferences, personal habits, previous restorations, and financial possibilities.
Dental prosthetics with a crown
Like any other dental procedure, prosthetic treatment with crowns is performed in several stages. Depending on the situation, 3 or 4 main stages can be distinguished:
Consultation. Before any procedure, a visit to the dentist is first planned. During the consultation, the specialist evaluates the general condition of the oral cavity and tissues. Taking the individual case into account, the dentist provides a treatment plan—decides how many teeth need treatment, where they need to be treated, and which structural elements will be used.
Implantation. If the root canals of the damaged tooth are non-vital, the specialist may remove the remaining roots and perform implantation. In this case, a small titanium screw, replacing the lost tooth root, is inserted into the jawbone. Then time is allowed for the implant to integrate with the bone and become fixed in the jaw. Once the implant has successfully integrated with the bone, the next stage can begin.
Crown production. During the first or a subsequent visit, the damaged tooth is anaesthetised and properly prepared. Then an impression is taken and sent to the dental laboratory. There, the dental technician carefully and precisely creates individually customised crowns. While production is taking place, a temporary dental crown is placed.
Prosthetic restoration. During the final visit, the prosthetic restoration is performed. Depending on the situation, the manufactured prostheses are firmly cemented to the remaining healthy roots or screwed onto implants. At this stage, the specialist may still improve the shape of the crown. Therefore, as soon as you feel that something is not right, it is important to inform the dentist in advance.
If dental crowns are screwed onto implants, the prosthetic treatment duration will be longer, as it is necessary to wait until the implant integrates with the bone, which may take up to half a year. Otherwise, if prosthetic treatment is performed on healthy tissues, the treatment time will be shorter.
After crown prosthetic treatment, specialists advise:
- avoiding hard and very hot food during the first 24 hours;
- applying compresses;
- taking anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medication.
By avoiding hard food during the first days, the cement remains in place and properly holds the crown. After the procedures, slight pain may be felt. This can be relieved with cold compresses or painkillers. However, if discomfort persists for a long time, contact the clinic, where the specialists will respond quickly and help eliminate unpleasant sensations.
What does the price of a dental crown depend on?
The price and materials of dental crowns differ depending on the individual situation. Therefore, there is no single answer to the question of how much a dental crown costs. Crown prices and the entire treatment plan are prepared during an individual consultation. The doctor usually evaluates:
- the condition of damaged teeth;
- previous treatments performed in the oral cavity;
- the condition of the jawbones.
After properly evaluating the aspects listed above, a professional in the field provides a preliminary treatment price. The price most often depends on the number of teeth being restored and the material from which the dental crown is made. Therefore, if you are interested in the exact price of a dental crown in Vilnius, we recommend contacting our specialists.
Would you like to chew food comfortably again, enjoy an aesthetically looking smile, and regain self-confidence? Contact the specialists of “Ozo” Aesthetic Dentistry and Implantology Clinic. Our team is ready to help find the most effective solution to the problem and answer all your questions.
