A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that completely covers a damaged or weakened tooth. It's essentially a "cap" that fits snugly over the remaining tooth structure, restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Understanding what a dental crown looks like involves considering its material, placement, and overall aesthetic impact.
What Materials Are Dental Crowns Made Of?
Dental crowns come in a variety of materials, each impacting their final appearance. The most common types include:
-
Porcelain: Porcelain crowns are highly aesthetic, closely mimicking the natural look of teeth. They are strong and durable, resistant to staining, and can be color-matched to blend seamlessly with surrounding teeth. This makes them a popular choice for visible teeth.
-
Ceramic: Similar to porcelain, ceramic crowns offer excellent aesthetics and strength. They're biocompatible, meaning they're well-tolerated by the body.
-
Metal: Metal crowns, often made of gold or alloys, are incredibly strong and durable. While they're not as aesthetically pleasing as porcelain or ceramic, they're often used for back teeth where aesthetics are less of a concern. They are also very long-lasting.
-
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM): These crowns combine the strength of a metal base with the aesthetic appeal of a porcelain exterior. They offer a good balance between durability and appearance.
What Does a Dental Crown Look Like on a Tooth?
Once cemented in place, a dental crown will completely cover the visible portion of the tooth. It will look and function like a natural tooth. From a distance, it should be virtually indistinguishable from your other teeth, especially if porcelain or ceramic is used. However, up close, a slight difference in texture or shade might be noticeable depending on the material and the skill of the dentist.
How Do Dental Crowns Feel?
Generally, a dental crown should feel comfortable and natural once it's properly fitted and cemented. You shouldn't experience any discomfort or sensitivity, although some slight sensitivity to temperature may occur initially, usually subsiding within a few days. If you experience persistent discomfort, contact your dentist.
What Are the Different Types of Dental Crowns?
While the materials differentiate crown types, the term "type" can also refer to their function and design. This isn't always visibly obvious, however.
What is a Full Coverage Crown?
This is the most common type. It encompasses the entire visible part of the tooth, providing comprehensive protection and restoration.
What is a Partial Coverage Crown (onlay or inlay)?
These are smaller restorations that only cover a portion of the tooth's surface, generally used for smaller areas of damage.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
With proper care and regular dental checkups, dental crowns can last for many years, often 10-15 years or longer. Their longevity depends heavily on the materials used, the patient's oral hygiene practices, and any potential bruxism (teeth grinding).
Can You Tell If Someone Has a Dental Crown?
It's often difficult to tell if someone has a dental crown without a close inspection. Modern materials and techniques allow for highly natural-looking restorations. However, with close examination, you might notice a slightly different texture or subtle shade variation compared to the surrounding teeth, especially with older crowns or those made of metal.
What Does a Dental Crown Procedure Involve?
While this question doesn't directly address the look of a crown, understanding the procedure is relevant. The process typically involves preparing the tooth, taking impressions for the crown's fabrication, fitting the temporary crown, and then permanently cementing the final crown. Your dentist can discuss the details in more depth during your consultation.
In summary, a dental crown aims to seamlessly blend with your natural teeth, restoring function and aesthetics. While subtle differences may be noticeable upon close inspection, the ultimate goal is to provide a natural-looking and durable restoration to your smile. The type of crown and the skill of the dentist will play a major role in the final appearance.
