Implant crowns..introduction.
From my own professional experience, seeing a patient smile again after their dental implants have been installed is always rewarding. What many don’t realize is that the crowns—which are the visible finishing touches make all the difference. These devices are carefully placed on the abutment, a connector that’s fitted to the external-facing end of the implant.
It’s this real transformation that makes the effort worth it. The crowns are crafted to look just like real teeth, blending seamlessly into your smile. Whether it’s one or multiple implants, the types of dental crowns used can vary to suit your needs, but all serve the purpose of completing the restoration. Each device is customized, and once it’s placed securely,
it truly feels like you’ve got your own teeth back. As someone who’s seen countless smiles restored, I can say confidently when the finishing touches are installed, that’s when the magic happens.
Dental crowns..introduction.
In my years working with implant restorations, I’ve learned that every crown must be made from a wide variety of materials to match a patient’s unique needs. Some materials, like ceramics and porcelain, provide the most natural look, ideal for front implant crowns where appearance matters most. Others, such as gold, silver, and metal alloys, are chosen for strength—gold offers the most durable type you can get. When a person wants something that lasts through years of use, these stronger options are considered. Each material can be shaped to fit perfectly, making it possible to restore function and appearance at once. Let us take a closer look at each type of implant crown, because choosing the right one truly depends on your smile, bite, and long-term goals.
Implant crowns with cemented retention”
In many of the cases I’ve worked on, cement-retained crowns have proven to be both effective and visually appealing. These types of crowns are attached above the abutment, using dental cement that is used to keep the prosthetic permanently attached to the abutment. This method offers straightforward attachments, making it a reliable choice for situations where screw access would affect appearance. These crowns offer increased visual aesthetics, especially when a natural finish is needed in the smile zone. With my hands-on experience, I’ve seen how patients often prefer this style for its clean aesthetics and secure fit.
Screw-retained dental crowns
In my clinical experience, when long-term maintenance is a priority, a screw-retained implant crown often proves to be the best option. This crown consists of a lingual and occlusal screw, giving it strength and accessibility. The crown is designed with a hole on the side of the occlusal or lingual portion of the device, which allows for direct access to the screw. The hole makes it possible to connect the restoration to the implant with a fixation screw attached to the external-facing end of the abutment. I’ve found that this configuration makes it easy to remove the prosthetic for repairs, restoration or cleanings, which is especially helpful when adjustments are needed over time. This method keeps the device secure while also supporting a long-lasting and cleanable solution for many patients.
What limitations do screw-retained and cement-retained crowns have?
No dental prosthetic is perfect, and that applies to screw-retained and cement-retained crowns as well. For example, while screw-retained crowns can be easily removed for restoration and repairs, there is a risk of damage around the access hole, which is often prone to chips. From what I’ve seen in clinical settings, this drawback is often addressed with composite bonding, but it still needs regular monitoring. Another major drawback associated with screw-retained dentures is that the crown can become loose over time, requiring patients to visit the clinic. They often need the services of a dentist to tighten it back up, which can be inconvenient for some.
On the other hand, the main drawback of cemented crowns is the potential for inflammation, especially when some of the substance seeps into the patient’s gum line. I’ve treated a few cases where this led to discomfort and required additional care. These types of crowns are also more challenging to remove, and that complicates things when it is time for repairs and restorations. Choosing between the two options depends on the individual case, but it’s important to consider these real-world challenges when making that decision.
Why Do Patients Prefer Dental Implants and Crowns for Replacing Missing Teeth?
While there are a few other dental prosthetics like dentures and crowns that can be used to replace missing teeth, many of my patients choose implants because they offer more than just a natural look and function. Implants do not just replace the look and function of missing natural tooth; these devices also replace the lost tooth root, which is critical. From a clinical perspective, this is what truly sets them apart. That helps to keep the jawbone tissue loss that is often associated with implants at bay, maintaining facial structure over time. Unlike traditional dentures or crowns, implants integrate with the bone and become a permanent part of the mouth. Other benefits of implants include their long-term stability, durability, and how closely they mimic the feel of real teeth, making them a preferred solution for many patients I’ve treated.
- Stops the surrounding natural teeth from shifting into the empty space.
- Provides a permanent solution that stays in.
- Implants are firmly secured in the patient’s jawbone, making the devices feel and function just like natural teeth.
- Caring for implants is just as simple as maintaining natural teeth.
Curious if implant crowns are right for you? Book a consultation with our specialist today!