What are porcelain crowns?

A crown, sometimes referred to as a cap, is a covering that encases the entire tooth surface, restoring it to its original shape and size. Although there are several types of crowns, porcelain crowns (tooth colored crowns) are the most popular because they resemble your natural teeth. Porcelain crowns are made to match the shape, size and color of your teeth, giving you a natural long-lasting beautiful smile. They are highly durable and will last many years, but like most dental restorations, they may eventually need to be replaced.

Reasons for crowns

A crown protects and strengthens the tooth structure that cannot be restored with fillings or other types of restorations. These include:

• Broken or fractured teeth
• Cosmetic enhancement
• Decayed teeth
• Fractured fillings
• Large fillings
• Root canal tooth

Crown Placement Procedure

A crown procedure usually requires two appointments.  

First appointment

Before the procedure

The dentist makes an evaluation and takes one or more X-rays of the area to prepare for the procedure, and typically takes a mold used to create the custom crown.

Tooth preparation

While your teeth are numb, the natural tooth or teeth adjacent to the missing gap is given minor preparation or adjustments. A teeth impression is made and sent off to the dental laboratory to be made. A temporary crown or bridge is attached.

Second appointment

Attaching the new crown

At your second appointment, your temporary crown will be removed, the tooth will be cleaned, and your new crown will be carefully placed to ensure the spacing and bite are accurate.

End result

The end result is a new tooth or gap replacement. Care for your new crowns and bridges is required in the form of brushing and flossing, and should be done as recommended by your dentist.

• Tooth Fillings
• Composite Fillings
• Crowns
• Dentures
• Fixed Bridges
• Root Canal Therapy
• Dental Implants