A dental crown is a full shell that fits over the remaining part of a prepared tooth, making it strong and giving it the shape of a natural tooth. A crown is sometimes known as a ‘cap’.
Crowns can be made of a variety of different materials and new materials are continually being introduced.
- Porcelain bonded to precious metal: This is what most crowns are made from. A precious metal base is made and then porcelain is applied in layers over it.
- Porcelain: These crowns are made entirely out of porcelain and are not as strong as bonded crowns. But they can look very natural and are most often used for front teeth.
- All-ceramic: This modern technique offers a metal-free alternative, which can give the strength of a bonded crown and the appearance of a porcelain crown. Therefore it is suitable for use in all areas of the mouth.
If you are considering a dental crown, it will need to be determined if you need a root canal treatment first prior to having the crown placed.
Dental crowns can be completed with around 1-3 visits to the dentist.