CROWNS (CAPS)
A crown (or cap) is a covering that encases the entire tooth surface restoring it to its original shape and size. A crown protects and strengthens tooth structure that cannot be restored with fillings or other types of restorations.
Although there are several types of crowns, porcelain (tooth coloured crown) is the most popular. They are highly durable and will last many years, but like most dental restorations, they may eventually need to be replaced. Porcelain crowns are made to match the shape, size, and colour or your teeth giving you a natural, long-lasting beautiful smile.
Reasons for crowns:
Root canal treated tooth.
Broken or fractured teeth.
Large fillings.
Cosmetic enhancement.
Fractured fillings.
Different types of dental crowns
There are five different types of dental crowns, including:
- Metal crowns made from gold, platinum, copper, or base metal alloys. Metal crowns are extremely durable however they can cause discoloration of the tooth as they erode over time.
- All-ceramic or all-porcelain crowns are made to be completely metal free and are the most aesthetic crown option available. In most cases, cosmetic dentists tend to recommend the use of all ceramic or porcelain dental crowns, especially when restoring a tooth towards the front of the mouth.
- Porcelain fused to metal (PFM) crowns are composed of a metal frame with a porcelain exterior. Therefore, it combines the strength of a metal crown with the aesthetics of porcelain.
- All- resin crowns are affordable, however they are not very strong.
- Stainless steel crowns are generally used as temporary crowns however they can also be used for children.
