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Types of Dental Crowns

A dental crown is basically a covering placed over a tooth that improves its appearance, shape, size, and/or strength.

Crowns completely cover the visible tooth that lies at or above the gum line. They may be needed in many situations, including:

  • Protecting a tooth from breaking
  • Covering discolored or misshaped teeth
  • Holding together parts of a tooth that broke
  • Supporting a tooth with a large filling
  • Holding a dental bridge in place or covering a dental implant

They’re usually used in adults. However, kids can also get them in cases where they need to protect teeth damaged by decay or at risk for being damaged by decay.

The 6 Main Types of Dental Crowns

There are many types of crowns. We’ll look at the the 6 main types here. Which one is best for you depends on your situation. You’ll need to consult a cosmetic dentist to help determine which one makes the most sense for you.

1. Stainless steel crowns

These are often used temporarily on permanent teeth while a permanent crown or filling is being made. Stainless steel is also used on children with tooth decay.

2. Metals are often used for molars

They don’t require as much tooth structure to be removed, and are very strong. They are able to withstand biting and chewing well, and rarely chip or break. However, their metallic color is sometimes a drawback.

3. Porcelain-fused-to-metal

While porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are similar to metal, they can blend with other teeth but are more likely to chip, break, and wear down surrounding teeth.

4. All-resin crowns

These are a less expensive option. However, these will chip or break more often than other kinds.

5. All-ceramic or all-porcelain

These are able to match surrounding teeth the best but they also chip, break, and wear down teeth more. These are best used in the front.

6. Zirconium crowns

A very durable option. The procedure will require less of your original tooth to be removed than with many other kinds. However, these can be abrasive to other teeth.

Durability

Crowns can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years before needing replacement. Exactly how long depends on how much they are used and how well you take care of your teeth. Crowns do not require any special treatment, as long as you keep up with your regular brushing and flossing. To expand the life of the crown, avoid using your it for things like nail biting or opening packaging.

A Multi-Step Procedure

It typically takes two visits to the dentist for this procedure. In the first visit, your dentist will begin to shape your tooth to support a crown. Some teeth may need to be filed down, while other weak and decayed teeth may need extra filling.

Next, your dentist will take an impression of the tooth, which will be sent to a dental lab to be created. For about two weeks, you will have a temporary crown. Once the permanent crown is ready,  your dentist will remove the temporary one and use special adhesive to attach your permanent crown.

Advantages of Dental Crowns

One advantage to crowns is they don’t require any of your healthy teeth to be removed. Since the crown is specially molded to fit over your damaged tooth, it’s a minimally invasive procedure. They are also permanent solutions, and do not require special cleaning.

While dental crowns may not be the right fit for every situation, they are a good option for many oral health problems. They are great for situations when the surface of the tooth is a problem, but the root is intact.

Talk to your dentist to see if crowns will be the best way to fix your oral health issues.