We’ve come far from 700 B.C., where dental crowns were made of gold and used to restore weak or damaged teeth. Today, metal-free crowns (also known as dental caps) are made of zirconium or lithium-disilicate ceramic. These substances are similar to glass, as in being light and transparent, much like our natural teeth.Â
Why a Zirconium Crown is Better Than Metal Crown
At Jack Negrani Dentistry, we know that crowns are very popular, in and around the Hanford, California area, for the following reasons:
Strength – originally used in space technology, zirconium has also been used in orthopedics (artificial hips) because of its amazing strength.
Align better – particularly if only a few teeth are being restored. Using a computer to manufacture the crown, one crown, or a bridge, is much more exacting in its placement.
Compatible with gums – because of the more precise fit, metal-free crowns do not irritate the gingiva and are easier to set without complications.Â
Great for those with metal allergies – those with metal allergies can now be fitted with a crown and not have to worry about a reaction.
Darkening around gums eliminated – without the metal that causes the gums to darken, gums look healthier.Â
Easier to match original teeth – because zirconia can be manufactured in a variety of shades, a nearly perfect match can be found.
Better fit – using a computer to manufacture the crown, a better fit is found, reducing time in the dental chair.
Reasons for a Crown
There are many reasons why crowns are placed, including:
severe tooth decay
a tooth that might fracture
adding strength to an already fractured tooth
to improve the look of an existing tooth
to help support a bridge
to improve a natural bite
to strengthen the results of a root canal
Crown Placement Procedure
No longer is crown placement a two-visit process. Thanks to Chairside Economical Restorations of Esthetic Ceramic (CERAC), same-day crowns expedite the process and often reduce dental expenses. Our modern technology creates a perfectly fitted crown in one visit. Â
The procedure used in crown restoration typically includes the following:
taking a digital impression of the inside of your mouth
using this 3D image, computer-aided manufacturing, and computer-aided design software are used to create a custom ceramic crown that fits perfectly
tooth is prepared and the crown is set
an entire appointment lasts only two hours from start to finish.
No longer do you have to live with substandard teeth. Crowns are a wonderful answer. Contact cosmetic and family dentist, Dr. Jack Nagrani, today, at (559) 422-6027, and let us help reduce pain and give you a better look by placing an affordable crown.Â
