A dental crown is an essential part of restoring teeth that have been damaged by decay, trauma, or other dental issues. But who actually makes these dental crowns and how do they work? In this article, we’ll explore the process of creating dental crowns and the professionals who are responsible for creating the perfect fit. From the dentist who takes the dental impressions to the dental technician who fabricates them, we’ll examine the various stages of crown production and the important roles that each professional plays in the process.
Dentists make dental crowns to restore a decayed or broken tooth. The crown encases the entire visible portion of a tooth, making it stronger and improving its appearance. The dentist will take an impression of the patient’s teeth to make a model of the crown. A dental laboratory then uses the model to create the crown, which is then returned to the dentist and placed on the patient’s tooth.
Who Makes Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are a common dental restoration used to replace a large portion of a tooth that has been damaged or decayed. While dentists are the ones who fit and place the crowns, they are typically not the ones who make them. Instead, crowns are made in dental laboratories by technicians who specialize in creating dental restorations.
Dental Laboratory Technicians
Dental laboratory technicians are the ones who actually make the crowns. These technicians have extensive training and experience in creating quality dental restorations. They use a variety of materials, such as porcelain and metal, to create custom-made crowns that match the patient’s other teeth for an aesthetically pleasing result.
What Does a Dental Technician Do?
When a dentist takes an impression of a patient’s mouth, they will send it to a dental laboratory. A dental technician will then use the impression to create a model of the patient’s tooth. The technician then uses this model to create the custom-made crown. The technician will also color match the crown to the patient’s other teeth, if necessary. Once the crown is complete, it is sent back to the dentist to be fitted and placed.
Materials Used to Make Crowns
Dental technicians use a variety of materials to make crowns. Some of the most common materials used are:
- Porcelain
- Gold
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal
- Composite resin
The type of material used to make the crown will depend on the patient’s individual needs and preferences. The dentist will discuss the available options with the patient and help them choose the best material for their situation.
Few Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a prosthetic device that is used to replace the outer portion of a tooth. It is a custom-made cap that fits over the remaining part of the natural tooth, and restores its shape, size, strength, and appearance. The crown typically consists of a strong material such as porcelain or metal that is designed to look and feel like a natural tooth.
Who Makes Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are typically made by a dental laboratory technician or prosthodontist in a dental laboratory. The dentist or prosthodontist will take an impression of the tooth and send it to the laboratory technician, who will use the impression to make a custom-made crown. The laboratory technician will then use materials such as porcelain, metal, or a combination of both to create a crown that fits the patient’s tooth perfectly.
What Are the Different Types of Dental Crowns?
There are several different types of dental crowns that can be used, depending on the patient’s needs. These include all-ceramic crowns, metal-ceramic crowns, all-metal crowns, and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. All-ceramic crowns are made of a single material, such as porcelain, and are generally used for front teeth as they look more natural. Metal-ceramic crowns are made of both metal and porcelain and are generally used for back teeth as they are stronger and more durable. All-metal crowns are made entirely of metal and are usually used for molars as they are very strong. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are a combination of metal and porcelain, and are used for both front and back teeth as they provide strength and a natural-looking appearance.
What Are the Advantages of a Dental Crown?
The main advantage of a dental crown is that it can restore the strength, shape, size, and appearance of a damaged or decayed tooth. A dental crown can also be used to protect a weak tooth from further damage, or to cover a dental implant. Additionally, dental crowns can be used to improve the aesthetics of a smile by changing the color, shape, or size of a tooth.
Are Dental Crowns Permanent?
No, dental crowns are not permanent. They typically last between five and fifteen years before they need to be replaced due to wear and tear. However, with proper care, such as regular brushing and flossing, regular visits to the dentist, and avoiding hard foods, dental crowns can last longer.
Are Dental Crowns Painful?
No, dental crowns are not usually painful. The procedure to place a dental crown is typically done under local anesthesia and should not be painful. After the procedure, there may be some minor discomfort and sensitivity as the tooth adjusts to the crown, but this should subside within a few days.
Dental Crown Procedure
Dental crowns are a great way to protect and restore teeth to their original shape and strength, and there are a variety of professionals who specialize in making them. From dentists to dental technicians to ceramists, each plays a crucial role in the process. With the help of these professionals, dental crowns are an effective way to restore teeth to their natural beauty.