Dental Crowns
What are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a cap-like structure placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. It completely encases the visible portion of the tooth above the gum line and is used to protect or improve a tooth that has been weakened or damaged.
When Are Dental Crowns Needed?
Dental crowns are recommended in the following situations:
- To restore a damaged tooth due to decay, trauma, or fractures.
- To protect a weakened tooth from breaking (e.g., after a root canal).
- To improve appearance by covering discolored, misshapen, or uneven teeth.
- For dental implants to act as an artificial tooth.
- To support a dental bridge, which replaces missing teeth.
- To cover and strengthen worn-down teeth.
Types of Dental Crowns
- Metal Crowns: Made of gold, palladium, nickel, or chromium, offering great durability but noticeable appearance.
- Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns: Combines strength and aesthetics, as it has a metal base with porcelain coating for a natural look.
- All-Ceramic or All-Porcelain Crowns: Ideal for front teeth, offering the most natural look but less durable compared to metal.
- Zirconia Crowns: Highly durable, natural-looking, and biocompatible.
- Resin Crowns: Less expensive but prone to wear and staining over time.
- Stainless Steel Crowns: Temporary crowns often used for children.
Comparison Between Crowns & Bridges
| Feature | Dental Crowns | Dental Bridges |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Restores a single damaged tooth. | Replaces one or more missing teeth. |
| Coverage | Covers and strengthens a single tooth. | Anchored to adjacent teeth to bridge gaps. |
| Material | Metal, ceramic, PFM, zirconia, or resin. | Typically uses the same materials as crowns. |
| Durability | Long-lasting with proper care (5–15+ years). | Similarly durable but depends on the anchor teeth. |
| Procedure | Focused on one tooth. | Involves adjacent teeth and the missing space. |
| Cost | Generally less expensive than bridges. | Costs more due to its larger scope. |