A crown (cap) is a restoration that covers the tooth to restore the tooth’s shape, size and function. It strengthens the tooth, and it can improve the aesthetics. Crowns are necessary when there isn’t enough natural tooth structure remainig to hold a new filling, to protect a cracked tooth from fracturing, to restore a broken tooth, cover a misshaped or discolored tooth, or to cover a dental implant.
There are several materials available for crowns. These include metal alloys, ceramics, porcelain, composite resin, or a combination of these materials. We want to create a crown that looks and functions naturally. We consider several factors such as color, your bite, and the shape of your existing teeth.
Crowns typically take two appointments to complete. At the first appointment, the tooth is prepared. A mold or digital scan is taken and sent to a dental laboratory. A temporary crown is made and placed until the permanent crown is ready. It usually takes 2-3 weeks for the permanent crown to be made. At the second appointment, the temporary crown is removed and the permanent crown is placed.