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Artificial Crown: Restoring Dental Function and Aesthetics

An artificial crown, also known as a dental crown, is a tooth-shaped cap that is placed over a tooth to cover its entire visible portion, restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns are a common dental treatment used to improve the function, aesthetics, and overall health of a damaged or decayed tooth.

Crowns are typically recommended in the following situations:
Severely Damaged or Decayed Teeth: If a tooth has extensive damage, such as large fillings, cracks, or severe decay, a crown may be necessary to protect the remaining tooth structure and restore its function.
Root Canal Treated Teeth: After a root canal procedure, a tooth becomes more brittle and susceptible to fracture. A crown is often placed to strengthen the tooth and prevent further damage.
Cosmetic Concerns: Crowns can be used to improve the appearance of discolored, misshapen, or poorly aligned teeth, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the smile.
Dental Implants: Crowns are commonly used to restore dental implants, providing a natural-looking and functional replacement for missing teeth.

The Crown Placement Process

The process of getting an artificial crown typically involves the following steps:

Tooth Preparation: The dentist will first prepare the tooth by removing a small amount of enamel to create space for the crown. This ensures a proper fit and prevents the crown from appearing bulky.
Impression Taking: An impression or digital scan of the prepared tooth and surrounding area is taken. This provides a precise model for the dental laboratory to create the custom-made crown.
Temporary Crown Placement: In the meantime, a temporary crown may be placed to protect the prepared tooth while the permanent crown is being fabricated.
Crown Fabrication: The dental laboratory uses the impression or digital scan to create the permanent crown. This can be made from a variety of materials, such as porcelain, metal alloys, or a combination of both.
Crown Placement: Once the permanent crown is ready, the dentist will remove the temporary crown and cement the new one in place, ensuring a proper fit and bite.

Dental Crown Materials

Crowns can be made from a variety of materials, each with its own benefits and considerations:

Porcelain or Ceramic Crowns: These crowns offer the most natural-looking appearance, as they are made to closely match the color and translucency of natural teeth. They are often used for front teeth or visible areas of the mouth.
Metal Alloy Crowns: These crowns are made from gold, palladium, or other metal alloys. They are exceptionally strong and durable, making them a good choice for back teeth that bear the brunt of chewing forces.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns: These crowns combine the aesthetic appeal of porcelain with the strength and durability of metal. They offer a balance of natural-looking appearance and long-lasting performance.
Zirconia Crowns: Zirconia is a relatively new material that is exceptionally strong, durable, and natural-looking. Zirconia crowns are a popular choice for their excellent aesthetic and functional qualities.

The Benefits of Artificial Crowns

Artificial crowns offer a wide range of benefits, including:

Improved Dental Function: Crowns restore the shape, size, and strength of damaged or decayed teeth, allowing for proper chewing and biting.
Enhanced Aesthetics: Crowns, especially those made of porcelain or ceramic, can be customized to match the color and appearance of natural teeth, enhancing the overall look of the smile.
Tooth Protection: Crowns shield weakened teeth from further damage, helping to preserve the remaining tooth structure and prevent the need for more extensive dental work.
Longevity: With proper care and maintenance, crowns can last for many years, providing a long-lasting solution for restoring dental health and function.

Conclusion

An artificial crown is a versatile and effective dental treatment that can address a wide range of dental issues, from severely damaged or decayed teeth to cosmetic concerns. The crown placement process, which involves careful preparation, impression taking, and permanent crown placement, ensures a custom-fit and natural-looking restoration.

Explore the world of artificial crowns and find the best dental treatment options with Dr. BestPrice, your trusted dental auction platform. Start your journey to a healthier, more confident smile today!

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