Dental Crowns
Crowns are placed for two reasons. The first is for strength. In a tooth that has more filling than tooth structure, a crown ensures longevity of the tooth by preventing fracture and minimizing decay. Teeth that have had root canal treatment need to be crowned as they are more fragile and much more susceptible to fracturing. A fracture may warrant the extraction of the tooth. A crown also protects the seal so the root canal doesn't fail due to re-infection. The second reason is for esthetics - crowns will correct unsightly discolourations and malformed/misaligned teeth. Crowns are also stronger and more durable than veneers.
Crowns are laboratory processed dental restoration that fit over and protect your teeth. Depending upon the strength requirements and esthetic concerns of the tooth, crowns may be fabricated with different materials. Types of crowns include: full porcelain crowns, porcelain fused to metal crowns, and gold (metal) crowns. Together, both patient and doctor will decide which material is most appropriate for your mouth.
These photos show the recontouring necessary for the crown to fit over your tooth. The lower left shows a full porcelain crown. The lower right shows a porcelain fused to metal crown.
To help you decide the shape and look you desire, we suggest a lab wax up. The lab will use your model and create a wax up of the desired look. This gives you a chance to see how your teeth will ultimately look, and also we can fabricate your temporary crowns directly from this model. You will be able to see the new look in your mouth before the final crowns are made.
This patient was unhappy with her discoloured, large restorations on her four upper front teeth.
Four upper crowns were placed after whitening to improve esthetics. The office and laboratory customized the shape and shade to create a natural looking and beautiful smile.
Two upper porcelain fused to metal crowns which are exposing the metal edge causing darkness at the gumline.
Teeth were whitened and two Empress crowns were placed to improve the overall aesthetics of this smile.