Dental crowns are fixed prosthetic devices applied to the visible part of the natural tooth. They are generally used to replace a missing tooth or strengthen a weakened tooth. 

A crown can also improve the appearance, shape or alignment of the tooth. It can be placed on a dental implant to provide a tooth-like shape and structure for function. 

Why Would I Need A Dental Crown?

Your dentist may recommend a dental crown for you during a dental appointment when:

• A tooth is broken, worn down or missing
• A dental bridge is recommended
• You just got a root canal
• A dental crown is necessary to cover the tooth (to protect and restore the shape of the tooth)
• A dental implant needs to be covered (A dental implant refers to a screw-like post that is placed in the jaw where a tooth once was. This procedure involves a crown or other dental prosthetic device to be placed on top of the implant)

If you want to use dental crowns to cover your stained teeth, check out this Ask a Dentist blog to learn more.

Types Of Dental Crowns

There are four types of materials used for dental crowns:

• Ceramic crowns are best for restoring the front teeth as colour can be blended to match your natural teeth. The material is brittle under heavy biting but can be highly resistant to wear.
• Porcelain fused with metal provides strength to the teeth and acts as a seal to prevent leakage and decrease continual dental decay. This material is very durable and strong.
• Gold alloys provide a strong material to adhere to the tooth structure. It is resistant to wear and fracture and is highly biocompatible with gum tissue, meaning that it won’t harm your gums.
• Base metal alloys provide great strength to the crown and tooth and are highly resistant to corrosion. This material is resistant to wear and gentle to opposing teeth.

How Long Do Crowns Last?

Dental crowns can last a lifetime, but they can fall off or come loose at times. To ensure your crown lasts for a long time, you must practice good oral health hygiene. Keep your teeth and gums healthy by brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and flossing daily. Visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings to prevent further damage to your new crown.

At Dental Image Therapy Centres, we make our crowns in-clinic using computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology. This procedure can be done in a single appointment by our dental professionals. 

It only takes a few minutes to book an appointment with us at our two Winnipeg locations: Garden City Shopping Centre and St. Vital Centre. If you have a missing or broken tooth, visit us today to brighten your smile. We can’t wait to see you at your next appointment.