Getting a crown on your front teeth is a common and effective dental procedure. A dental crown functions as a tooth-shaped cap that dentists place over a damaged or weakened tooth. This restoration covers the entire visible portion of the tooth, restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance.
Why Front Teeth Are Crowned
Crowns are recommended for front teeth to restore their structural integrity and aesthetic appeal. When a front tooth has significant decay too extensive for a standard filling, a crown provides necessary protection and restoration. Teeth with large existing fillings that compromise their strength may also benefit from a crown, which provides additional support.
Front teeth can also be crowned following a root canal treatment, as teeth often become more fragile, making a crown important for protection against fracture. Beyond restorative needs, crowns address aesthetic concerns like significant chips, fractures, or breaks from trauma. Severe discoloration not remedied by whitening, or misshapen teeth, can also be effectively covered and improved with a crown, enhancing the overall appearance of your smile.
Materials for Front Tooth Crowns
Several materials are used for front tooth crowns, each offering distinct advantages in terms of aesthetics and durability. All-ceramic crowns, often porcelain, are popular for closely mimicking natural tooth enamel’s translucency and color. They blend seamlessly with existing teeth, making them highly suitable for visible front teeth where aesthetics are a primary concern. Porcelain crowns are also stain-resistant and suitable for individuals with metal allergies.
Zirconia crowns are another option, known for strength and durability. While strong, zirconia can be more opaque than natural teeth. To achieve a more natural look, zirconia crowns are often layered with porcelain, allowing for color variations that better match surrounding teeth. Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns combine a metal base for strength with a porcelain outer layer for a natural appearance. While PFM crowns offer a balance of durability and aesthetics, a metallic line might become visible at the gumline over time, especially if gums recede.
The Front Tooth Crowning Procedure
The front tooth crowning process typically involves two dental appointments. The procedure begins with an initial consultation where the dentist examines the tooth, often using X-rays, to assess its condition and discuss material options.
In the first appointment, the tooth is prepared by removing decayed or damaged portions and reshaping it to create a suitable base. This ensures the crown will fit snugly and align properly with adjacent teeth. A local anesthetic is administered for comfort during this process.
After reshaping, an impression of the prepared tooth is taken, either using putty or a digital scanner. This impression is sent to a dental laboratory, which custom-fabricates the permanent crown to match the desired size, shape, and color. A temporary crown is then placed to protect the tooth while the permanent crown is being made, a process that usually takes a few weeks.
During the second appointment, the temporary crown is removed. The dentist checks the fit, color, and bite of the permanent crown, making any necessary adjustments to ensure it blends seamlessly and functions correctly. Once the fit is confirmed, the crown is bonded to the tooth using dental cement. The dentist ensures the patient’s bite feels comfortable with the new crown.
Maintaining Your Front Tooth Crown
Proper care ensures a front tooth crown’s longevity and supports overall oral health. Good oral hygiene, including brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily, is important to remove plaque and food particles from between the crown and adjacent teeth, and along the gumline.
To prevent damage, avoid habits that stress the crown. This includes biting or chewing on hard objects like ice cubes, nuts, or popcorn kernels. Sticky foods like taffy and caramels should also be avoided, as they can dislodge or loosen the crown.
If you grind or clench your teeth, discussing a custom mouthguard with your dentist can protect both your crown and natural teeth from excessive wear. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are also important, allowing the dentist to monitor the crown’s condition and address issues promptly. With consistent care, a front tooth crown can last between 5 and 15 years, and in some cases, even up to 20 years or more.