A crown (or cap) is a covering that fits over the entire tooth surface and restores the tooth to its original shape and function. A crown protects and strengthens tooth structure that cannot be restored with fillings or other types of restorations. Crowns can be used to restore teeth that have had significant decay or tooth wear, fractured or broken teeth, and to add strength to teeth that have had root canal treatment. 

Crowns are made of porcelain, metal or a combination of the two materials. Porcelain (tooth colored crowns) are the most popular, because they are constructed to match the shape, size and color of your teeth and therefore best resemble your natural teeth. Porcelain crowns often have a metal substructure for added strength and durability, however, for front teeth, all porcelain crowns can be constructed for a more natural and highly aesthetic smile. Porcelain crowns are highly durable and will last many years, but like most dental restorations, they may eventually need to be replaced.  

What does getting a crown involve?

The procedure for fitting a new crown is typically completed in two or three appointments. The first appointment involves re-shaping the tooth to provide an ideal fit for the crown and making an impression of the teeth. From this impression, a temporary crown is constructed, cemented to your tooth with temporary cement, and adjusted as needed to ensure you are biting properly.  The same impression used to construct the temporary crown also provides a model for the dental laboratory to fabricate the definitive crown. During the next appointment, the permanent crown will be fit onto the tooth, and after ensuring the crown has the proper look and fit, it is cemented into place.  Depending upon the area of the mouth in which the tooth is located, an additional appointment may be advisable to allow time to evaluate the contour and color of the temporary crown before work on the definitive crown is completed.  

Once the crown procedure is completed, proper oral hygiene and maintenance are required to prevent the development of gum disease around crowned teeth or dental decay from occurring around and/or underneath crowns. Similarly, proper oral hygiene habits and routine maintenance will ensure the longevity of your new crowns.