Dental Crown

Healthy smile thanks to long-lasting dentures

Dental crowns play an important role in dental health. They protect, strengthen and improve the appearance of damaged teeth. Learn more about these essential dentures in our guide.

The term "dental crown" can refer to both the visible part of a natural tooth and the artificial denture that is placed on the visible part of the natural tooth.

Artificial dental crowns are used to preserve a damaged natural tooth or to replace a missing tooth on an implant. They are used in particular when the natural tooth is severely damaged or no longer meets the aesthetic requirements.

What is a dental crown?

Dental crowns have the wonderful ability to turn discolored, chipped or destroyed teeth back into a perfect smile. They can help not only improve the appearance, but also stabilize and strengthen the structure of a tooth. This is especially important in the case of broken or weakened teeth.

It is important to know that an intact tooth root and healthy gums are a fundamental requirement to be able to place a dental crown. If the tooth root is damaged, an implant can replace it.

The lifespan of a dental crown depends on several factors. These include the quality of care and the dental laboratory that made the crown. The average lifespan of an indirect restoration is about 25 years. However, with good care, a dental crown can last up to 40 years and more. The dental crown is the most commonly used form of dental restoration, which is due to its favorable value for money and durability.

The cost of dental crowns can vary greatly. They depend on the type of crown and the complexity of the treatment. In this context, the choice of dental laboratory is crucial for the quality and reliability of the dental crown.

Difference Between a Dental Crown and a Dental Bridge

Both a dental crown and a dental bridge are forms of dentures, but they perform different functions and are used in different situations.

A dental crown is used as a replacement or to reinforce a single tooth that is damaged or in need of cosmetic improvement. A dental bridge, on the other hand, is a special variant of the crown in which several adjacent teeth are replaced by a contiguous denture. A dental bridge usually consists of a series of crowns that together form a bridge.

In a nutshell, a dental crown is a solution for a single tooth, while a dental bridge is a solution for multiple missing or destroyed teeth. The choice between crown and bridge depends on the individual patient's situation and the dentist's recommendations.

When is a dental crown appropriate?

A dental crown is an important tool in dentistry that can be used to restore the shape, function, and aesthetics of a destroyed tooth. There are a number of situations in which the provision of a dental crown can be considered as a solution:

• After caries: If a tooth is severely decayed and a filling is no longer sufficient, a crown may be useful. It reconstructs the tooth and effectively protects it from further damage.
• After a root canal treatment: A root canal treated tooth may experience discoloration, so a crown is required for aesthetic reasons. In addition, a root canal treated tooth is more susceptible to fractures due to weakening of the tooth structure. A root canal treated tooth is crowned primarily for functional reasons and helps to protect and stabilize the tooth.
• Teeth that are badly worn: Teeth that are badly worn by teeth grinding (bruxism) or other factors can benefit from a crown that improves the appearance and function of the tooth.

In addition, crowns can also be used to correct misalignments or to support or support the tooth. Ultimately, the decision as to whether a dental crown is necessary will be determined by the individual circumstances and the advice of your dentist.

A partial crown can be a good option if the tooth is still partially preserved. In the case of a partial crown, the diseased tooth substance is replaced and the entire chewing surface of the tooth is rebuilt. A partial crown makes sense if a full crown is not yet necessary.

Types of dental crowns

Dental crowns can be divided into different groups according to function, size, material and type of anchoring. The following are some of the most common types of crowns:

• Partial crowns or full crowns: This distinction is based on the size and extent to which the crown covers the tooth. Full crowns cover the entire tooth. Partial crowns cover only part of the tooth.
• Replacement crowns: Replacement crowns are one of the most well-known types of crowns and are used to damage large parts of the tooth. It is a replacement for the natural dental crown and restores the appearance and function of the tooth.
• Protective crowns: A protective crown is a crown that is inserted when hard enamel is lost. It serves to protect the soft dentine underneath and prevent further damage.
• Anchoring crowns: These are crowns that are primarily used to anchor dentures, such as bridges or partial dentures. Anchoring crowns can also be used in the event of accidental tooth loss or for attachment to dental implants. The implant and the dental crown are connected to each other by an intermediate element, the abutment. The attachment of the dental crown can be done by both gluing and screwing, with the screw-down variant allowing for easier repair.

Metal-ceramic crowns are a popular choice among the various materials for dental crowns. They consist of a sturdy metal framework to which layers of ceramic are applied. Compared to metal-free crowns, they represent a durable and cost-effective solution.

Materials for the production of dental crowns

The choice of material for a dental crown depends on various factors, such as the location and function of the tooth, the color of natural teeth, cost, and personal preference. The following are some of the most commonly used materials for dental crowns:

• Veneer crowns: These crowns are aesthetically pleasing and are a good alternative to full metal crowns. They have a metal core and a veneering layer of ceramic or plastic.
• Metal and full cast crowns: These crowns have a long lifespan and are resistant to wear and tear. They are often used for the crowns at the back of the teeth, where they are less visible.
• All-ceramic crowns: All-ceramic crowns offer an aesthetically pleasing solution and can be matched to the remaining teeth in the same color and shape. They are biocompatible, making them particularly suitable for people who suffer from allergies. Ceramic crowns can be made with metal framework, zirconium oxide-based, or purely from high-quality ceramic. They are used especially in the anterior region.
• CEREC Crowns: Crowns, inlays, onlays, bridges and implant crowns can be made directly in the dental office using the CEREC system. The shape and colour of the artificial crown is adapted to the natural teeth.
• Gold crowns: Gold is very stable in the mouth. It is well tolerated. For this reason, gold crowns are mainly used in the posterior region, as their degree of hardness is similar to that of natural tooth substance.
• Plastic crowns: These crowns are usually used as a long-term temporary prosthesis. While they are inexpensive, they are not as durable nor as aesthetically pleasing as the other options.

Which material is best for a dental crown depends on the individual needs of the patient. These include the stresses to which the tooth is exposed, possible allergies and aesthetic considerations. Your dentist will help you choose the best solution for your individual situation.

How does a crown treatment work?

Dental crown treatment is a multi-step process that usually requires two to three appointments with the dentist, which take place about a week apart. The general process is presented below:

1. Initial consultation: In order to assess the condition of your teeth and draw up an individual treatment plan, the dentist will perform an examination and a panoramic X-ray at this appointment. You will receive a detailed explanation of the course of the treatment and will have the opportunity to ask your questions.
2. Preparation of the tooth: After local anesthesia, we remove the damaged or destroyed part of the tooth. When preparing the tooth, up to 60 percent of the partially healthy tooth hard substance must be removed. This will make room for the dental crown. A temporary (transitional) crown protects the ground tooth and preserves its function and aesthetics until the next appointment.
3. Impression and choice of colour: A precise impression of the prepared tooth is sent to the dental laboratory for the production of the crown. In order for the crown to look as natural as possible, the tooth shade is also determined for ceramic and veneering crowns.
4. Fitting and inserting the crown: On the second visit, the temporary crown is removed. The color and fit of the final crown will be checked. To ensure the optimal fit of the crown, the functional analysis (FAL) is performed. This is particularly important in the case of extensive dentures or pre-existing diseases of the temporomandibular joint. After checking the fit, the crown is permanently attached.
5. Aftercare: After the dental crown has been placed, it is recommended to have a check-up to make sure that everything fits correctly and that no problems have occurred.

Thanks to modern technologies such as 3D scans and artificial intelligence, the procedure can be carried out precisely and efficiently. The end result is natural and comfortable. Nitrous oxide sedation can contribute to a relaxed dental treatment if you are anxious about the treatment.

After the treatment

After the dental crown is placed, some patients temporarily experience an increased sensation of heat and cold. The new bite sensation of an artificial crown is also unusual at first. However, this adjustment process is usually short-lived, and most patients quickly get used to the feel of their new dental crown.

Proper and regular care is crucial for the longevity of the dental crown and the maintenance of oral health. The edge of the dental crown in particular is very sensitive and must therefore be cared for with special care. This includes brushing your teeth daily, flossing and interdental brushes, and using antibacterial mouthwashes. This removes plaque and bacteria and reduces the risk of problems under the dental crown.

Please note that despite careful care and correct use, pain under the dental crown may persist even years after the dental crown has been placed. This can be caused by various factors, such as an incorrectly adjusted bite or grinding your teeth at night. If you experience persistent discomfort or pain after your crown is placed, it's important to see your dentist to identify and fix any potential problems.

Advantages of using dental crowns as dentures

Dental crowns offer a variety of advantages far beyond the purely functional restoration of the tooth. One of the most important is that chewing function is improved. Damaged or missing teeth can lead to difficulty chewing and digesting food. A dental crown can restore the natural function of the tooth and allow the affected person to chew and eat again without discomfort.

In addition, a dental crown can improve the ability to speak. The correct pronunciation of certain words and sounds can be affected by missing or damaged teeth. To remedy these problems and improve speech intelligibility, a dental crown can help.

Aesthetics play an important role in the decision for or against a dental crown. Dental crowns have a natural appearance and can help restore a beautiful and attractive smile. This increases the patient's self-confidence and well-being.

Crowns also protect the underlying tooth. This protects the tooth from further damage and prevents gum disease. This is especially important for root canal treated teeth, which are often more susceptible to fractures.

Last but not least, dental crowns are a worthwhile investment because they have a long lifespan. With proper care and maintenance, dental crowns can last for many years. They are therefore a long-term solution for restoring the tooth.

All these benefits make dental crowns an effective and versatile solution for maintaining and improving oral health and aesthetics.

Ceramics, our favorite for crowns

In our practice, we value the superior aesthetics and function of ceramic crowns. That's why we recommend it to our patients as their first choice. Ceramic offers a natural look that is almost indistinguishable from real tooth enamel. We can make crowns, bridges, veneers, etc. to perfectly match your natural teeth in color and shape. This is especially important because for us, improving your smile is not only a matter of health, but also of aesthetics.

In addition to aesthetic adaptability, ceramic is a very durable material. Ceramic crowns are abrasion-resistant and do not discolor, making ceramic a permanent denture. Ceramics are biocompatible, i.e. they are well tolerated by the body and do not cause allergies.

In our practice, ceramic crowns are also chosen for their functionality and their compatibility with modern digital manufacturing techniques, which allow for a precise fit and quick restoration. By using ceramic crowns, we can offer our patients not only a radiant smile, but also comfort and safety. After all, it's your smile that makes us proud.