How Do Dental Crowns Work?

How Do Dental Crowns Work?

Dental crowns are a permanent and long-lasting solution to completely cover or cap a damaged tooth, or to attach to the titanium post in the case of dental implants. They are cemented to the surrounding teeth and can only be removed by your dentist.

Why You Might Need a Dental Crown

Damaged or decayed teeth can benefit from a dental crown to replace the outer part of the tooth. Crowns are custom made to encase the damaged part of the tooth, or in many cases, the entire tooth, and can be made from gold, porcelain, or a combination of metal and porcelain. They can protect weak, damaged teeth, restore broken teeth and support teeth with large fillings. They can be modified to hold dental bridges in place if the existing teeth are too weak or unstable. Dental crowns are the best option for damaged and broken teeth because they, not only restore function to the teeth and jaw but blend in with your other teeth for a natural, undetectable look.

Full Gold Crowns

Full gold crowns are cast from a single piece of gold and last the longest, which makes them a great option for the heavy chewing duties of back molars. To keep costs down and make it stronger, gold crowns are mixed with other metals such as palladium, nickel or chromium. With good dental care, gold crowns can last for decades, but their gold colour means they stand out instead of looking natural, which is another reason to use them on back teeth.

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns (PFM)

A PFM crown is the most common type of dental crown and gives the natural appearance of porcelain matched to the colour of your own teeth, with the underlying strength of metal, usually a gold alloy. They are still very strong but can have weak spots that chip or break more easily, and sometimes the underlying metal can be visible. They’re also known to wear down the opposing teeth. However, a well-maintained PFM can last longer than 15 years and is a great cost effective option.

Full Porcelain Crowns

The most natural-looking dental crown is the full porcelain crown. The latest technology has made porcelain crowns a more viable option because they can now be bonded to the sub-structure of the tooth without the use of metal. The custom-made crown is perfectly matched to the colour of your teeth, making an excellent choice for front teeth. No one will ever know it’s not your own. They can still wear down the opposing teeth but not as much as a PFM crown, and they require more of the original tooth to be removed because the porcelain needs to be quite thick for strength. They are also prone to fractures so need to be well-maintained by your dentist.

Dental Crowns West Auckland Residents Will Love

At Titirangi Dental, we can provide expert advice on our full range of dental crowns and dental services. West Auckland locals can place their trust in our dentists to save a damaged or decaying tooth and improve its look and feel. Call 09 817 6057 or contact us online for answers to all your questions and concerns about cosmetic dentistry for healthier teeth.

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Related Blogs

Why do we recommend fluoride toothpaste? 

When you ask your dental professionals the right toothpastes to use routinely?  We always recommend fluoride toothpastes. Because: 

Cosmetic Dentistry vs. Restorative Dentistry

  • Fluoride toothpaste works into tooth enamel, it can make enamel harder and more resistant to acid, attacks from bacteria and sugary foods. 
  • Fluoride toothpaste can remineralize your teeth, it helps to reverse early tooth decay by replacing lost minerals and repairing damage. 
  • Fluoride toothpaste has been proven to significantly reduce the risk of getting cavities.  
  • Using fluoride toothpaste is the most cost-effective way to contribute to better oral health 

Standard adult and children’s fluoride toothpastes contain 1,000-1,500ppm of fluoride.  However, dental professionals may prescribe high concentration fluoride toothpaste for individuals with high risk of tooth decay, it usually contains 5,000ppm fluoride. 

Speak to Titirangi Dental to Find Your Perfect Treatment

Make an appointment with the team at Titirangi Dental to solve any oral health issuing you’re currently suffering from. We offer the highest quality restorative and cosmetic dentistry techniques in West Auckland. Call us on 09 817 6057 or contact us online.

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Is it normal to feel sensitive after teeth whitening?

Cosmetic Dentistry vs. Restorative Dentistry

Is it normal to feel sensitive after teeth whitening?

Yes, most people will feel sensitive after teeth whitening. It is normal because whitening agent make your tooth enamel more porous and permeable. It causes your teeth are easily penetrate to hot, cold, sweet, or sour substances to the nerves.

The sensitivity is usually lasting 24-48 hours, but for people, it can persist for few days.

How to manage sensitivity

  • Use sensitive toothpaste: Apply sensitive toothpastes on the surfaces after you brush your teeth and do not rinse out, leave it overnight.
  • Avoid extremely cold or hot foods and drinks, avoid sweet or acidic foods or drinks for few days after treatment.
  • Be gentle when brushing.
  • Take pain killer like ibuprofen to relieve pain and discomfort.
  • If you experience severe pain and do not improve within 48 hours, contact your dental professional for help.
Speak to Titirangi Dental to Find Your Perfect Treatment

Make an appointment with the team at Titirangi Dental to solve any oral health issuing you’re currently suffering from. We offer the highest quality restorative and cosmetic dentistry techniques in West Auckland. Call us on 09 817 6057 or contact us online.

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Dental Implants

Understanding Dental Implants and Their Importance

Dental health is an integral part of overall well-being, yet it’s often overlooked until a problem arises. Among the most common issues are tooth loss, which can occur due to decay, injury, or disease. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers several solutions to restore your smile, and one of the most effective and lasting options is dental implants.

 What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots, typically made of titanium, that are surgically embedded into the jawbone. Once in place, they provide a sturdy foundation for a replacement tooth, bridge, or even full dentures. The process involves three main stages: the placement of the implant, the healing period during which the implant fuses with the bone (a process known as osseointegration), and finally, the attachment of the prosthetic tooth or teeth.

 The Importance of Dental Implants

1. Restoring Functionality: One of the primary reasons people opt for dental implants is the restoration of normal chewing and speaking abilities. Unlike traditional dentures, which can slip or cause discomfort, implants function like natural teeth, allowing you to eat your favorite foods without worry.

2. Preserving Jawbone Health: When a tooth is lost, the jawbone in the empty space can deteriorate due to lack of stimulation. Implants help maintain the bone by mimicking the function of natural tooth roots, which stimulates the bone and prevents loss of volume and density. This is crucial in maintaining the facial structure and avoiding a sunken appearance over time.

3. Aesthetics and Confidence: Missing teeth can significantly affect your self-esteem and how others perceive you. Dental implants provide a natural-looking and permanent solution, allowing you to smile with confidence. The prosthetic teeth are designed to match the color and shape of your existing teeth, making them virtually indistinguishable from the real thing.

4. Longevity and Durability: Dental implants are designed to last many years, often a lifetime with proper care. Unlike bridges or dentures, which may need to be replaced or adjusted over time, implants offer a more permanent solution, making them a cost-effective choice in the long run.

5. Improved Oral Health: Unlike dental bridges, which require the alteration of adjacent teeth, implants do not affect surrounding teeth. This helps maintain the integrity of your natural teeth and promotes better long-term oral health. Additionally, implants are easier to clean and maintain, reducing the risk of gum disease and other oral health issues.

6. Convenience: Dental implants eliminate the inconveniences associated with removable dentures. There’s no need for messy adhesives, and you won’t have to worry about your teeth slipping out of place. This makes them a hassle-free option for daily life.

 Who Can Benefit from Dental Implants?

Dental implants are suitable for most adults in good health who have lost one or more teeth. However, certain conditions, such as insufficient jawbone density or chronic illnesses, may affect candidacy. A thorough evaluation by a dental professional is necessary to determine if implants are the right option for you.

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Want to know about dental services and how to keep your mouth and teeth in great condition?

Make an appointment with the team at Titirangi Dental to solve any oral health issuing you’re currently suffering from. We offer the highest quality restorative and cosmetic dentistry techniques in West Auckland.