A dental crown is a custom-made cap placed over a damaged tooth to restore its shape, strength, and appearance. It completely covers the visible portion of the tooth, protecting it from further damage and improving its functionality.
What a Dental Crown Does
- Restores Damaged Teeth: Crowns repair teeth significantly weakened by decay, fractures, or large fillings. They essentially act as a protective shell.
- Improves Tooth Appearance: A crown can mask discoloration, chips, or other aesthetic imperfections, resulting in a more pleasing smile.
- Strengthens Weakened Teeth: Crowns provide added support to teeth that are prone to fracture or breaking.
- Covers Dental Implants: Crowns are often used to cap dental implants, providing a natural-looking and functional replacement tooth.
Types of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns can be made from various materials, including:
- Porcelain: Aesthetically pleasing, mimicking the natural appearance of teeth.
- Metal: Durable and strong, often used for back teeth.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal: Combines the strength of metal with the aesthetics of porcelain.
The Dental Crown Procedure
Getting a dental crown typically involves two dental visits:
- Preparation: The dentist prepares the tooth by removing a layer of enamel. An impression is then taken to create the custom crown. A temporary crown is often placed until the permanent one is ready.
- Placement: The permanent crown is cemented onto the prepared tooth.
Several sources describe dental crowns as a "cap" or "cover" for a tooth (Cleveland Clinic, healthdirect, Delta Dental). They are permanent restorations (VC Dental) used to improve both the appearance and strength of a tooth (TTH Family Dentistry). After placement, patients can resume normal eating habits.
