A crown is an artificial restoration 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 are an ideal restoration for teeth that have been broken, or have been weakened by decay or a very large filling. They can be made of porcelain or metal or gold or a combination of these materials.
The damaged tooth is prepared. A crown with a metal base and porcelain coating is made. The crown is fixed in place. Under certain lighting, the metal base can sometimes be seen.
A metal crown, covered in porcelain, is considered by many as traditional. But in certain light, this can make the tooth look dull and lifeless and the dark metal margins may show near the gums. An alternative is for the crown to be made of solid porcelain. This will give a more natural look to the tooth.
The tooth is prepared. A crown is made and fitted to the tooth. The new crown needs to be strong enough to withstand the chewing and biting forces. The new crown can be made of porcelain with a metal base or made entirely of porcelain.
POST CROWNS – Sometimes after a root canal treatment is done, the tooth needs a post to provide stability. So the crown needs to be made over this post separately or fused to the post with proper impressions.
Once an Implant has been placed an abutment is fitted to hold the Crown. The abutment and the base of the crown may be metal. However, in certain light, this can make the tooth look dull. An alternative is for the abutment to be made of white material and the Crown made of solid porcelain. This will give a more natural look to the tooth.