Crowns

A crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” placed over a tooth that is badly damaged or decayed. A crown is made to look like natural tooth.

Crowns are used when the teeth are extensively damaged by decay or breakage. A crown may hold together parts of a cracked tooth and can be used to hold a bridge in place. Crowns also are used for cosmetic purposes to cover misshapen or badly discolored teeth.

Crowns can be prefabricated or made in a laboratory. Prefabricated crowns are made of acrylic or stainless steel and can be used as a temporary restoration until a permanent crown is manufactured. In some cases, prefabricated crowns can be used as a permanent restoration.

Crowns can be all metal, porcelain fused to metal (PFM), or all ceramic. Metals include gold alloy, other alloys (palladium) or a base-metal alloy (nickel or chromium). The all-metal or PFM crowns are stronger and are better choices for back teeth. PFM and all-ceramic crowns look just like normal teeth.