Dental crowns are used for several types of restorations and occasionally for cosmetic purposes. If your dentist indicates you need a crown, there are several options to choose from. The type of crown you choose depends upon the purpose of the crown and its location in your mouth.
Types of Dental Crowns
At one time, crowns were always made of metal, usually gold. Now, crowns can be made of other materials that provide a natural look combined with durability. The different types of crowns can address issues such as keeping your smile metal-free or ensuring your tooth is strong enough to stand up to the pressure of biting and chewing.
The main types of dental crowns are:
- Gold
- Stainless steel
- Porcelain
- Bonded porcelain
- Resin
- Milled
These are used for different applications, and our dentist might recommend a certain type for your particular circumstances. The most common choices for adults are gold, porcelain, and bonded porcelain. Gold has the advantage of being stronger and longer lasting, while porcelain has the advantage of being tooth-colored. A bonded porcelain crown combines the best qualities of both. Resin crowns tend to wear much more quickly, and milled crowns are only available from dentists who have the proper equipment to make a crown in the office while you wait. Stainless steel crowns are generally used as a temporary measure, or to restore baby teeth.
How Crowns Work
Crowns are generally used for restoration work when a tooth is severely cracked, broken off, or has been treated with a root canal. They can also be used to anchor a prosthetic tooth in a crown and bridge replacement procedure.
A crown is typically placed in two steps. First, our dentist prepares the tooth so the crown will fit over it. A mold is made of the tooth, then sent to an outside lab so the crown can be custom-made. A temporary crown protects the tooth until the final crown is ready. When it is ready, it is cemented in place to provide a strong, permanent restoration.
Call the office of Kemp & Borovac Dentistry at 416-922-1012 and set up a consultation with one of our skilled dentists.