What is a crown?

A crown is a dental restoration that completely covers, or “caps” a tooth. There are many materials that can be used to fabricate a crown. Typically you will see one of three types:

• Metal alloy restorations – these are usually gold mixed with a combination of other elements, including platinum, palladium, silver, copper and tin.
• Porcelain-fused-to-metal restorations – here, a thin sheet of porcelain is fused to a metal base to fabricate the crown. This gives the strength of a metal restoration but allows your dentist to shade-match the porcelain to the surrounding teeth, achieving a more natural look.
• Non-metal restorations – with the advent of new technology, these crowns are quickly growing in popularity, and are the ones we most commonly place in our practice. This crown is fabricated entirely from non-metal materials such as Alumina, Leucite, Zirconia and Porcelain. Our preferred choice for the best in natural appearance, longevity and functionality is a fully porcelain, custom fabricated crown.

When do I need a crown?

Crowns are necessary when decay has caused so much damage to the tooth that not enough natural structure remains for it to survive on its own. When that happens, the crown will replace the decayed area to provide protection for the remaining natural tooth.

Other times you need a crown:

•  Root canal therapy on posterior teeth often involves placing a crown to areas too weak after therapy that require protection .
• Implants need to be restored using crowns.
• Crowns can also be a cosmetic option, to change the appearance of a person’s tooth when other aesthetic options are financially or dentally undesirable.