A crown is a restoration that covers, or caps a tooth. It's purpose is to strengthen or improve the appearance of a tooth. It may be used to achieve a cosmetic result; to improve the appearance of a poorly shaped, badly decayed or discolored tooth or for more practical reasons, for example, to anchor a bridge. Modern crowns are both durable and exceptionally natural-looking.

Typical Uses

• Restore teeth when there isn't enough healthy tooth structure left to provide support for large fillings
• To cosmetically restore a tooth after root canal
• Used to attach bridges, where they serve as anchors
• Protect weakened teeth from fracturing
• Restore fractured teeth
• For cosmetic reasons, to cap poorly shaped or discolored teeth
• Cover dental implants
Which Material Is Best?

Both the "appearance" and function of a crown are taken into consideration when selecting the materials best suited for your individualized treatment. Your dentist will consult with you in selecting the most appropriate material to use. Crowns are constructed of a number of durable materials, like gold alloys, non-precious alloys, porcelain or ceramics, composites or some combination of these materials. Crowns constructed of alloys are stronger but are not always appropriate, due to their aesthetic characteristics. Porcelain crowns are less durable but have desirable aesthetic qualities and are often indistinguishable from natural teeth, making them an ideal choice when the overriding concern is cosmetic.