What are dental crowns?
Dental crowns are prosthetic restorations, made from different materials (usually ceramic), that totally cover a tooth (that has been previously sanded down).
The dental crown is a prosthetic restoration, similar to a cape and with a shape and colour identical to that of natural tooth, that completely covers the tooth.
When do we need a dental crown?
Dental crowns are necessary when a significant part of the tooth’s structure is lost or when the application of a filling would jeopardize the integrity of the tooth (as the filling would be too big), or would compromise its aesthetic or resistance.
What helps us achieve total success when executing a prosthetic?
Regardless of the type of prosthetic that you and your doctor will choose, at Identis you will benefit from the best materials and treatment methods to obtain the best results.
We use Zeiss equipment for polishing. The classic method used to imply a tangential sanding of the tooth that would damage the gums, thusly triggering a natural reaction that would inflame cause inflammation and retraction of the gum, thusly exposing more of the tooth. Our technique does not damage the gums and prevents unpleasant side effects. We use the Eyemag magnifying glasses, “Carl Zeiss”, that allow us to visualize the tooth during polishing at high magnification. With them we can observe the most minute details and finish off preparations with increased precission.
The Carl Zeiss company is a world leader in the field of professional medical optics and has been for over half a century. The innovations promoted by Carl Zeiss and the new technology on the market are revolutionary in the medical field.
For printing we use polyether, Impregnum, a quality material which we mix using the Pentamix machine. The latter, through precise dosing and homogenising, ensures a superior quality of castings by significantly diminishing any errors that could surface during this stage. Thusly, the contraction of the material is minimized and the level of detail is maximum.
What materials are used to make dental crowns?
Today, all fixed prosthetics are made from dental ceramics or porcelain on a metallic substructure, zirconium or wholly out of ceramics.
Full ceramic crowns – They have an extremely natural look and they are mainly used for frontal teeth (they are considered the most aesthetically pleasing). The ceramic is of a translucent colour and the shape can be carefully adjusted to complete your smile.
Metal-ceramic crowns – They have a ceramic exterior and a metal inner structure that offer them increased durability, as opposed to purely ceramic crowns. The metal give the crown a slightly unnatural opacity. In time, a metal band can appear near the gum.
Ceramic crown on zirconium supports (bio integrity) – They have a ceramic exterior and a zirconium inner structure, that makes the highly durable. The advantages of these crowns are:
Increased compatibility with the tissues inside the oral cavity;
Does not cause allergic reactions;
Low thermal conductivity, therefore decreased chance of damaging the dental pulp;
Good marginal adaptation which leads to a lack of foul taste and gum coloration.
Ceramic-zirconium crowns are made using CAD/CAM (Computer Assisted Design/ Computer Assisted Manufacturing) technology. This is done by casting a replica in the laboratory, identical to the mould sent by the dentist. The cast is the scanned and the information is used by a computer to create a zirconium cape.
Ceramic facets
What are they?
They are minimally invasive prosthetics that are bonded to the surfaces of teeth.
What are the indications for ceramic facets?
They are used to improve the aesthetics of teeth affected by cavities, that are discoloured or are inappropriately shaped. Ceramic facets are glued on to the exterior of teeth to change their colour, shape or size.
What are they made of?
They are usually made out of composite ceramics.
The advantages of facets
Using dental facets is the most successful minimally invasive method to cover teeth with purpose of achieving perfect aesthetics.
The teeth are only sanded on one side (the side facing the lips) by a maximum of 0.5mm.
Facetted teeth remain living.
After only two sessions, the patient can leave the dentist’s office with a totally changed smile.
Dental hygiene is improved as bacterial plaque does not adhere to facets.
How long do they last?
Facets last a long time. Ceramic facets last longer than composite ones but they do have to be replaced after 10 years.
What are the bad things that can happen?
Facets are durable and most patients are satisfied with the results. They give patients confidence in their new smile. There are cases where facets break or come unglued. These cases are very rare, and if this does happen you must contact your dentist at once.
Dental bridges are prosthetic replacements for one or more teeth; they are recommended to stabilize occlusion (the bite) and to prevent the migration of neighbouring or opposite teeth.
Dentures
What are dentures?
They are prosthetic devices that offer a solution to total or partial lack of teeth on an arch. Dentures feature an acrylic plate with artificial teeth of different shapes and colours, according to the patients physiognomy. Dentures have to be padded or redone within 5-10 years.
What can denture wearers expect?
Usually, when the dentures are first fitted, the patient needs a period of adjustment, to get used to the feeling of having something foreign in his or her mouth. If the dentures are not stable, they will cause inflammation and ulcerations.
New denture wearers may experience:
Fullness of the mouth;
A lack of space for the tongue
Increased salivation
Changes in food taste
If the muscles in the cheeks or the dentures make a clacking sound, you must see your dentist right away.
How can we take care of our dentures?
Dentures have to be brushed daily, like natural teeth, to prevent bacterial plaque. Dentures are made from acrylic and require special care. They must not be left in direct sunlight for extended periods of time. Do not use bleach, toothpaste or vinegar to clean dentures as this might scratch or discolour them. Dentures are cleaned with a plastic brush and water. When not in use they are to be stored in a glass of water or a plastic container. Adhesives can be used.
The importance of occlusion
Occlusion is the way our teeth interlock when we take a bite. A faulty occlusion can affect the temporal – mandible joint causing pain, limitation of the opening motion, noises and shifts in the jaw while opening and closing. A faulty occlusion can also cause a loss in dental substance. This can occur in the vicinity of the gums (cuneiform lesions) or can manifest trough exaggerated tooth abrasion. Both can be associated with dental sensitivity, which in an important symptom.
In advanced cases, one can lose his or her jawbone or mandible bone and of teeth.