Share:

A dental crown is a custom cap placed over a tooth to improve its strength and appearance. Your dentist may recommend one for a variety of reasons, such as to protect a tooth after damage or a root canal, save a weak tooth from decay, or cover a dental implant. Here’s how dentists and laboratory technicians create crowns that mimic the look and feel of natural teeth. 

How Dental Crowns Are Made

Design

Before the cap can be manufactured, the dentist must take an impression of the patient’s mouth to ensure it will fit comfortably. After preparing the tooth by removing any decay and shaping the outside so the crown can fit over it, the dentist mixes dental plaster with water, places the mixture in a tray, and fits the tray over the patient’s teeth.

Once the plaster hardens, the dentist removes the tray, which will now feature a three-dimensional impression of the prepared tooth as well as the teeth next to it and above it. The dentist will then send the impression to a laboratory.

Material 

The most popular materials used for dental crowns are metal, porcelain, and acrylic resin. Metal is the strongest option, while porcelain and acrylic resin are more attractive. That’s why dentists typically use metal for back teeth, which require a lot of strength for chewing, and porcelain or acrylic resin for front teeth, which are more visible.

crownSome dentists also use porcelain fused to metal; since the porcelain may chip and reveal the metal, this option is also best for back teeth. No matter what material is chosen, the dentist will use a dental adhesive to fasten it in place along with a porcelain or acrylic coating to make it look more natural. 

Manufacturing

When the laboratory receives the impression of the patient’s mouth, a technician uses it to create a mold called an investment. The technician then fills the investment with metal, porcelain, acrylic resin, or other material chosen by the dentist and patient.

The technician must pour metal at an extremely high temperature since it can only be shaped when it’s molten. Porcelain and acrylic resin require cooler temperatures. When the material has cooled and set, the technician removes the crown from the mold, applies a finishing coat, and sends it back to the dentist so it can be placed in the patient’s mouth.

 

Restore your smile with a beautiful, durable dental crown from S. Jill Spurlin, DMD. Located in Enterprise, AL, Dr. Spurlin and her caring staff provide cosmetic and general dental care. Dedicated to patient comfort, the team works hard to make every appointment as relaxing and stress-free as possible. Learn more about their comprehensive services online and call (334) 475-2624 to schedule an appointment. 

tracking