Crowns

Crowns are a cosmetic restoration used to strengthen a tooth or improve its shape. Crowns are most often used for teeth that are broken, worn, or partially destroyed by tooth decay.

Crowns are “cemented” onto an existing tooth and fully cover the portion of your tooth above the gum line. In effect, the crown becomes your tooth’s new outer surface. Crowns can be made of porcelain, metal, or both. Porcelain crowns are most often preferred because they mimic the color and translucency of natural teeth and are very strong.

Crowns or onlays (partial crowns) are necessary when there is not enough tooth strength to support a filling. Unlike fillings that are placed directly in your mouth, a crown is made in a lab using your tooth impression. This allows a dental technician to assess your bite and jaw movements. The crown is then custom-made to ensure proper function once it is placed in your mouth.