Crowns (Caps)

Dental crowns, or tooth-shaped caps, are used to cover a tooth to restore its previous strength, size, shape, but also to improve the appearance. Usually, the reasons for getting a crown are one of the following:

• To restore a broken or worn down tooth
• To protect a weakened tooth
• To hide a discolored and misshapen tooth
• To cover a tooth if there is not much of it left
• For holding a dental bridge in its place
• For covering a dental implant
• If the tooth has a root canal
• For cosmetic purposes

Crowns are, in many ways, similar to other restorations, but they are usually used when other restorations are not suitable. They are robust and durable and will last for many years before you will have to have them replaced.

There are several types of crowns:

• Metal crowns
• Stainless steel crowns
• Porcelain crowns
• Resin crowns
• Ceramic crowns

The most popular ones are porcelain crowns or tooth-colored crowns. They are made to precisely match the tooth you have, which is most likely the reason why they are the most used ones.

How are crowns placed?

In most cases, getting a cap placed will require two appointments at the dentist.

At the first appointment, you undergo a detailed examination. Then the dentist prepares your tooth and places a temporary crown. A mold is usually used to create a temporary crown which will then stay on your tooth for around two weeks until the dentist prepares your permanent cap.

At the second appointment, the dentist removes the temporary crown and cleans and polishes the tooth. Then they make sure the new crown is suitable, and if everything is all right, they place the new cap on your tooth.

After all of that, your dentist will also explain how to preserve your crown properly through regular dental hygiene.