How Strong are Crowns on Front Teeth?
Read out everything in detail about advantage of dental crown, how strong are crowns on front teeth and how long crowns last on front teeth.
Your appearance is the first thing that everyone notices about you along with your smile. Teeth are essential aspects of your first impression. If you have an unattractive smile due to tooth imperfections and it is affecting your self-confidence and self-esteem, then dental crowns can enhance your smile!
When it comes to your front teeth, you may question whether dental crowns are effective for the restoration of your front teeth. In response to this query, this article may help you understand what dental crowns are, their placement, how they can improve your dental structure, and whether they are right for you.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are popular tooth-shaped caps that are placed over the existing teeth to cover teeth imperfections, enhance smile appearance, restore the functionality of teeth, and protect the teeth from any kind of damage. These are custom-designed to fit seamlessly to your smile when you bite down by matching their shade with your remaining teeth. They are a part of restorative dentistry services or are occasionally considered cosmetic dentistry treatment.
Dental crowns can be fabricated with a variety of materials, most common being metals (gold, chromium, nickel, palladium, or any other alloy), ceramic, and porcelain. Among all types, metallic crowns typically are not advised for front teeth as they are metallic colored and noticeable which affects the smile aesthetics. However, ceramic and porcelain crowns are preferred for fixing front teeth as they blend in with actual adjacent teeth and go undetectable to others when you smile, laugh, or talk.
When Are Dental Crowns Required for Front Teeth?
Front tooth crowns are usually needed to cover up damaged or discolored/stained teeth. The need for such crowns may depend on whether you are an adult or a child.
For children, front tooth crowns are only placed on their primary teeth in the following circumstances-
- A damaged or weak tooth that cannot be saved by a tooth filling.
- If the child is incapable of maintain general dental care and daily oral hygiene practices.
If you are an adult, you may consider a front tooth crown for the following reasons-
- To restore a tooth that is fractured or broken beyond repair
- To hold the pieces of a cracked tooth together in their place
- To save a tooth that is on the verge of breaking
- To secure a dental bridge inside the mouth
- To be used as a replacement tooth over a dental implant
- To uplift the visual appeal of stained/discolored tooth or misshapen tooth
- To support a tooth that has received a dental filling
- For aesthetic purposes
What Preparation Is Needed for Front Teeth to Place Dental Crowns?
Before placing dental crowns, you may have to visit your dentist a couple of times. First, your dentist will take dental X-ray images of your damaged tooth and the area around it to assess the extent of the damage. He/she may choose to rebuild your tooth to restore its original structure by filling it. In case your tooth is significantly damaged/or severely infected, your dentist may recommend root canal therapy at the end of which a dental crown is placed. Once the dentist confirms your tooth is free from decay or damage, an impression is taken of the prepared tooth to manufacture a permanent crown and the order is placed. While the permanent crown is being made in the dental laboratory, the prepared tooth is covered with a temporary crown. After 2-3 weeks, when your permanent crown is ready, your dentist calls you to get it fixed inside your mouth and to check if any corrections are required.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last on Front Teeth?
The life span of your front dental crown depends upon its material, its strength, and how well you maintain it. A metal crown, made up of stainless steel is robust and durable while other types like porcelain are less strong. Hence, metal crowns are a better option for molars and strength as the back teeth are under the most pressure to chew food. With proper care and maintenance, stainless crowns are known to last for more than 20 years.
On the flip side, front teeth are seldom used and can be appropriately covered with porcelain or ceramic crowns. This is because of their resemblance with natural teeth in color, shape, and size and there is not as much need to worry. Depending upon how you care for your porcelain crowns, typically they can last for anywhere between 5-15 years. But if you wish to have a perfect balance of aesthetics as well as durability, there are also porcelain-on-metal crowns.
Many patients visiting First Point Dental often ask, are crowns on front teeth noticeable? If you opt for ceramic dental crowns they look and feel like natural teeth, and when you smile they are nearly undetectable.
At First Point Dental, we always discuss dental crown options with you before treatment, so you can feel comfortable and confident in your smile and selection. To learn more about dental crowns cost in Chicago, how long crowns last on your front teeth, and how they can restore the look and function of your smile, contact us today.