All About Front Tooth Crowns and How They Differ From Other Crown Procedures

A damaged or partially decayed front tooth can often be saved if it’s addressed quickly, but a crown may be necessary for cosmetic purposes. While a front tooth crown is similar to those for molars and premolars, there are a few notable distinctions between the materials and techniques used for treatment. Today, we’ll discuss these variations so you know what to expect from your crown placement. 

Why is a front tooth crown different from other crowns?

Unlike molars and premolars that aren’t particularly visible, front tooth crowns must be aesthetically pleasing and look natural next to your other teeth. Here are a few factors that differentiate these dental prosthetics from other types of crowns: 

Materials

Front tooth crowns are often made from ceramic (porcelain) or zirconia, which offer a natural, realistic appearance. On the other hand, molar crowns can be crafted from metal and porcelain-fused metals to offer greater strength for chewing. 

Shape and size

Front crowns must be thinner than those used for molars and premolars to maintain a realistic look. In fact, no one other than your dentist should be able to tell it’s a crown. A misshapen crown can be a dead giveaway that you’re sporting a crown. 

Translucence

Materials like ceramic and pressed porcelain are fairly translucent, just like your other teeth. When front crowns lack this transparency, others are more likely to notice the difference. 

How does a front tooth crown procedure work?

Front crown procedures are similar to those for other teeth, but there are a few notable differences to consider. Here’s what you can expect from a front crown placement procedure:

Anesthesia

In most cases, dentists use only local anesthesia when placing a front tooth crown. These non-invasive procedures may require fewer numbing agents than those for larger back teeth. Occasionally, teeth with a history of root canals may not require anesthesia at all. 

Tooth preparation

You must have enough space between teeth for your new crown to fit. To make this happen, dentists often shape or file the existing tooth. Since front teeth are naturally thinner than molars, less reduction is required to make way for the new prosthetic. 

Taking impressions

Your dentist may use a putty-like material or a digital scanner to take detailed impressions of your front teeth and surrounding gums to create a crown that aligns with your teeth and natural gumline. 

Temporary front tooth crown placement

It takes some time to craft a realistic front tooth crown, so you’ll likely receive a temporary crown while you wait for the final product. These may be made of acrylic or composite resin and cemented with a mild adhesive to ensure easy removal. Your temporary crown should look fairly natural but may not look as refined as the permanent crown. 

Permanent front tooth crown placement

After a couple of weeks, you’ll return to the dentist to receive your bespoke permanent crown. They’ll remove the temp and ensure the shape, color, and fit of the new device are perfectly crafted to your smile. Finally, they’ll secure the placement with strong dental cement. 

Are there different types of front tooth crowns?

There are many different types of front tooth crowns that offer various advantages. Here are a few of the most common types of crowns and how they compare when it comes to cost, durability, and aesthetics: 

Porcelain

Porcelain is a classic choice for front tooth crowns because it’s highly translucent and biocompatible, meaning the risk of adverse reactions is low. However, it’s less durable than other options and can be fairly expensive. 

Best option for: Natural appearance

Zirconia

Another popular option is zirconia, thanks to its extreme durability. It isn’t quite as translucent as other materials but can be layered with porcelain to improve its appearance. You can expect these front tooth crowns to cost more than most other materials. 

Best option for: Durability and aesthetic appeal

Resin

Resin is often used for temporary crowns. It’s the most affordable crown you’ll find, and it’s easy to repair, unlike porcelain and zirconia. Unfortunately, resin doesn’t look particularly natural and isn’t made for longevity, so you can anticipate frequent replacements. 

Best option for: Temporary crowns

Metal

Metal can work well for molars, as it’s highly durable and can last for years or decades without extensive care and maintenance. That said, metal is usually more expensive than other options and doesn’t create a cohesive appearance, so it’s rarely used for front tooth crowns. 

Best option for: Molars

Explore your front tooth crown options at Coral Reef Dental!

At Coral Reef Dental, we offer a full suite of dentistry services to meet your functional and cosmetic needs. From front tooth crowns and veneers to sedation dentistry and dental appliances for sleep apnea, we do it all. Contact us today to get started!