What is a dental crown?

A dental crown serves as a tooth-shaped cap that dentists utilize to restore teeth that are weak, broken, or decayed. This cap fits over the entire tooth, akin to a snug hat. To ensure a precise fit, dentists typically remove a small amount of enamel before securely bonding the new crown in place. This process not only ensures a comfortable fit but also enhances the strength and functionality of the restored tooth.

When would you need a dental crown?

Dental crowns serve multiple purposes, including:

1. Reinforcing a weakened tooth.
2. Providing protection and support for a cracked tooth.
3. Restoring functionality to a worn-down or fractured tooth.
4. Securing a dental bridge in its proper position.
5. Concealing severe stains or discoloration on a tooth.
6. Providing coverage for a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment.
7. Acting as a cap for a dental implant to complete the restoration.

Types of dental crowns

Numerous types of dental crowns are available, and the most suitable one for you will depend on your individual preferences and specific oral health requirements.

Metal crowns

Dental technicians utilize various metals like gold, palladium, nickel, and chromium to craft metal crowns. These crowns boast exceptional durability, rarely chipping or breaking, and have the longest lifespan among crown materials. They necessitate minimal enamel removal and can withstand the pressures of biting and chewing. However, their metallic appearance may be a downside for some. Metal crowns are often recommended for molars not visible in the smile line.

Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns

Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns offer a blend of metal durability and the natural appearance of porcelain. Dentists can customize these crowns to match the shade of your existing teeth.

Despite their strength, PFM crowns have a few drawbacks. Over time, the porcelain coating may chip, revealing the underlying metal. Additionally, PFM crowns may cause gradual enamel wear on the opposing teeth (the ones that come into contact with the crown when you close your mouth).

PFM crowns boast a lifespan nearly comparable to metal crowns and are suitable for restoring both front and back teeth.

Pressed ceramic crowns

Pressed ceramic crowns feature a sturdy ceramic inner core, resembling PFM crowns but without the metal component. Crafted by melting and pressing ceramic at high temperatures, these crowns mimic natural tooth enamel's translucency with multiple layers of porcelain.

Similar to PFM crowns, pressed ceramic crowns may experience chipping of the ceramic layers over time. Dentists commonly apply pressed ceramic crowns to both front and back teeth.

All-ceramic or porcelain crowns

All-ceramic or porcelain crowns offer the most natural appearance, closely mimicking tooth enamel. They are particularly suitable for individuals with metal allergies.

Various materials are used by lab technicians to craft ceramic crowns, with zirconium dioxide being among the most popular. Zirconia crowns exhibit exceptional durability and can withstand heavier forces compared to other ceramic crown types. They also cause less enamel wear on opposing teeth, making them a favorable choice.

Same-day dental crowns

Many dentists utilize CAD/CAM (computer-aided design and manufacturing) technology to create crowns right in their office, allowing for same-day service. This software enables dentists to take digital impressions of your teeth and then design a customized crown based on those impressions. Once designed, the image files are sent to an on-site milling machine, which carves the new crown from a solid block of ceramic.

The primary advantage of CAD/CAM technology is the ability to receive a dental crown in a single office visit. However, same-day crowns may not be suitable for everyone, so it's important to consult your dentist to determine if you're a candidate.

All-resin crowns

Resin dental crowns are typically more affordable than other types but are also more prone to breakage compared to porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns.

Resin is commonly used by dentists for crafting temporary crowns, which typically have a lifespan of three to five years.