A dental crown impression is a mould or digital record of your teeth. Your dentist uses it after preparing the tooth for a crown because the final restoration needs to match the shape of the area.<\/p>\r\n
With an impression a soft material sits inside a tray that fits over your teeth. You bite gently into it while the material sets. It doesn’t take long although the sensation can feel strange if you’ve got a sensitive gag reflex.<\/p>\r\n
Your dentist first prepares the tooth so there is room for the crown. The area needs to be captured including the edges where the crown will meet your natural tooth.<\/p>\r\n
A good impression needs to show the tooth clearly. If the area isn’t captured properly another impression may be needed. Annoying,. Better than ending up with a crown that doesn’t fit.<\/p>\r\n
The material can feel thick and slightly uncomfortable. You may feel pressure around your teeth while the tray is in place.<\/p>\r\n
If you’re prone to gagging tell your dentist before the impression starts. They can position you differently. Work efficiently so you’re not stuck there longer than necessary.<\/p>\r\n
A crown needs to sit against the prepared tooth. The bite also needs to feel natural once the crown is fitted because even a small difference can make the tooth feel awkward when you chew.<\/p>\r\n
The key details include:<\/p>\r\n
\u2022 The prepared tooth itself which needs to be captured around its edges.<\/p>\r\n
\u2022 Nearby teeth are recorded too because the crown has to fit into the space without pushing against its neighbours.<\/p>\r\n
\u2022 Your bite matters here well. The impression records the relationship between the lower teeth.<\/p>\r\n
Digital impressions feel quicker for people. There’s no gooey material and no bulky tray pressing against the roof of your mouth.<\/p>\r\n
Traditional impressions are still widely used. Can produce accurate results when taken properly. So if your dentist uses one there’s no reason to panic.<\/p>\r\n
Once the impression is complete it goes to the laboratory if a physical model is being made. The laboratory uses the recorded shape to create the crown.<\/p>\r\n
Your dentist may place a crown over the prepared tooth while the permanent one is being made. At the appointment the permanent crown is checked for fit and bite before it is secured.<\/p>\r\n