Understanding Dental Crowns: Guide to a Perfect Fit

 

                                                         

So, your dentist has mentioned you might need a dental cap, or perhaps you’ve heard a friend talking about getting one, and now you’re curious – what exactly is a dental cap? In simple terms, a dental cap, commonly known as a crown, is like a protective cover placed over a tooth. It’s designed to restore the tooth’s shape, size, and function, especially if it’s been damaged or weakened. 

A dental crown isn’t just a cover—it’s a powerhouse of protection. Think of it as armour for your tooth, shielding it from damage and further wear. Crowns are made of durable materials like porcelain, ceramic, or metal, and they’re designed to replicate the look and feel of your natural teeth.

 

Dental crowns are versatile solutions used in various situations where teeth require extra support and protection. Below are common scenarios when a crown might be necessary:

 

1. Severe Tooth Decay: When a tooth is too decayed for a filling, a crown can provide the needed structure.

 

2. Fractured or Cracked Teeth: Crowns help hold a cracked tooth together, preventing further damage.

 

3. Post-Root Canal: After a root canal, teeth become weaker and more brittle, making crowns essential to preserve them.

 

4. Worn Teeth: Grinding or an improper bite can wear teeth down, requiring crowns for protection and restoration.

 

5. Dental Implants: Crowns are placed on implants to replace missing teeth, providing a natural look and feel.

 

When you have a crown made, you want a perfect fit. These are the characteristics to look for:

·       Good emerging angle from the gums for aesthetic reasons.

·       Proper contour against adjacent teeth for comfort and decreased chance of food impaction

·       Good contact between adjacent and opposing teeth for a comfortable bite.

·       Good colour matching so the crown blends in.

 

Sometimes, dentists and technicians make mistakes and end up fitting you with a bad crown. You know you have an ill-fitting crown if you face these problems:

·       Improper fit, resulting in tooth sensitivity, recurrent tooth decay and quick failure of the crown.

·       Over-contoured crown, resulting in gum inflammation and gum disease.

·       Loose crown, also resulting in gum inflammation and gum disease.

·       Too tight of a fit between adjacent teeth, resulting in toothaches.

·       No contact with adjacent teeth, resulting in food impaction and recurrent tooth decay.

·       Poor aesthetic appearance in terms of colour or shape.

If everyone knows the qualities of good crowns, why aren’t they all made properly? The fact is making good crowns requires a high level of skill, experience, and communication between dentists and dental technicians. A good crown and an ill-fitting one may differ very slightly. Just a few millimetres of over- or under-trimming can change your bite or the level of contact with adjacent teeth.

This is why it’s so important to choose a dentist with the skills and experience necessary to fit you with a good crown.