Covering a Wide Range of Dental Problems

The top portions of your teeth, which seem to rest on your gums, are known as your teeth crowns. Designed to mimic these visible parts of your teeth, a dental crown is a lifelike restoration that is placed completely over a tooth’s natural crown to protect and restore it. In many cases, dental crowns are recommended for teeth that are too damaged for a porcelain veneer to address, or that have received an especially large filling. Dental crowns can also replace lost teeth when placed on top of a single tooth implant, creating a highly lifelike replacement tooth that consists of a root as well as a crown.

Different Types of Dental Crowns

If your dentist recommends placing a dental crown, then he will help you select the crown material that works best for you, such as:

  • All-porcelain crowns – Porcelain becomes strong and durable when fused to a sturdy understructure, like a tooth. Porcelain crowns offer the most true-to-life esthetics and are the best choice for placing in the front of your smile.
  • Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns – Outer layers of dental porcelain encase a sturdy metal core in this combination crown that offers realistic looks and a high level of strength. PFM crowns can withstand the pressure and biting forces experienced in the back of the mouth, making them an ideal option for placing on molars.
  • Zirconia crowns – This type of dental porcelain is so strong, it’s nearly unbreakable. Zirconia crowns can be made from pure zirconia or have a two part structure, with a zirconia inner core and layers of translucent porcelain on the outside.
  • Metal crowns – Metal crowns are still a popular choice since they are long-lasting and will not damage opposing teeth. Because they don’t blend with the surrounding teeth, metal crowns are best suited for the back of the mouth.