What Does a Crown Look Like on a Tooth?
A dental crown, also known as a cap, is a tooth-shaped covering that completely encases a damaged or decayed tooth. It's designed to restore the tooth's shape, size, strength, and appearance. But what exactly does it look like? The answer depends on several factors.
What Material Is the Crown Made From?
The material significantly influences the crown's appearance. Common materials include:
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Porcelain: This is the most aesthetically pleasing option, as it can be precisely matched to the color of your natural teeth. Porcelain crowns look incredibly natural and blend seamlessly with your smile. They're also highly resistant to staining.
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Metal (Gold, Alloys): Metal crowns are very strong and durable, lasting for many years. However, they are less aesthetically pleasing as they are visibly metallic. Gold alloys are often chosen for their strength and biocompatibility. Base metal alloys are more affordable but can sometimes show through the gums as a dark line.
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Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM): These crowns combine the strength of a metal base with the aesthetic appeal of a porcelain exterior. The metal core provides durability, while the porcelain layer mimics the natural tooth color. However, the metal can sometimes show through the gumline, if the gum recedes.
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Zirconia: This is a newer material that offers excellent strength and a natural-looking appearance, similar to porcelain. It's biocompatible and doesn't typically show a dark line at the gumline.
How Does a Crown Look After Placement?
Once cemented in place, a crown should look very much like a natural tooth. A well-placed crown will:
- Match the surrounding teeth in color and shape: Your dentist will take great care to ensure a natural-looking fit and color.
- Be smooth and polished: There should be no rough edges or visible seams.
- Have a natural translucency: High-quality porcelain crowns will have a slight translucency, mirroring the natural light-passing qualities of your teeth.
What Are the Different Types of Crowns?
Several crown types cater to different needs:
- Full Coverage Crowns: These completely cover the visible portion of the tooth.
- Partial Coverage Crowns: These only cover a portion of the tooth, often used when less tooth structure is compromised. Sometimes these are referred to as onlays or inlays.
How Can I Tell If It's a Crown?
It can be difficult for the untrained eye to distinguish a well-placed crown from a natural tooth. However, in some cases, you might notice:
- A slightly different shade: Even with a perfect color match, there can be a subtle difference in shade, especially under certain lighting conditions.
- A noticeable metal edge (for metal or PFM crowns): In cases of gum recession, the metal may become more visible.
What if the Crown Doesn't Look Natural?
If you're unhappy with the appearance of your crown, it's important to discuss your concerns with your dentist. This could be due to several factors, including poor color matching, improper placement, or material selection.
Does a crown feel different from a natural tooth?
Initially, you might experience a slight difference in how the crown feels, particularly if it's slightly higher than your surrounding teeth. This usually subsides as your mouth adjusts. It shouldn’t cause any discomfort after the initial placement and adjustment period.
In summary, a dental crown is designed to seamlessly blend with your natural teeth, restoring both function and aesthetics. While minor differences might be perceptible, a well-placed crown should look remarkably natural. Remember to discuss any concerns about the appearance or feel of your crown with your dentist.
