Crown
restorations are similar to veneers, because they too are
attached to individual teeth. Crowns completely cover the
tooth on all sides, helping to correct any problems that you
might have with alignment. Crowns are used to repair teeth
that have undergone root canals, have severe erosion, or extreme
malposition. The use of crowns is essential in any situation
that requires greater strength and aesthetics. Crowns are
fabricated from ceramic or ceramic and metal, and are indistinguishable
from adjacent teeth.
Having crowns applied usually
takes two appointments so that your teeth can be prepared
and impressions can be made. The impressions are used to fashion
a porcelain crown that fits into the contour of the remaining
teeth. While your permanent crowns are being created in a
laboratory, you'll wear temporary crowns that maintain your
appearance and ability to function. Often crowns are added
to existing teeth to create better connecting surfaces for
attachment of fixed bridges and partial dentures. As with
all treatments, crown restorations require meticulous oral
hygiene; proper brushing and flossing techniques are effective
in eliminating plaque and bacteria. Crowns or caps can last
the longest compared to other treatments depending on placement
and forces placed on them. Photos show a mixed case of ceramic
metal crowns and porcelain veneers completed by Dr. Dibling
and constructed at daVinci Studios in California.
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