We might choose a crown to restore a tooth when a large filling has failed, or when the tooth is cracked, broken, or subject to grinding or clenching. Crown restorations are similar to veneers, because they too are attached to individual teeth. Crowns completely cover and support the tooth on all sides, helping to correct any problems that you might have with alignment. Crowns are used to repair teeth that have undergone root canals, have severe erosion, or extreme malposition. Crowns are also used in situations where a tooth has split or fractured in order to restore the tooth to comfortable form and function. The use of crowns is essential in any situation that requires greater strength and aesthetics. Crowns are fabricated from ceramic or ceramic and metal, and can be custom shaded to match adjacent teeth.

Having teeth crowned or capped typically takes two or three appointments so that your teeth can be prepared and impressions can be made. The impressions are used to fashion a porcelain crown that fits into the contour of the remaining teeth. While your permanent crowns are being created in a laboratory, you'll wear temporary crowns that maintain your appearance and ability to function. Often crowns are added to existing teeth to create better connecting surfaces for attachment of fixed bridges and partial dentures. As with all treatments, crown restorations require meticulous oral hygiene; proper brushing and flossing techniques are effective in eliminating plaque and bacteria. Crowns or caps can last the longest compared to other treatments depending on placement and forces placed on them.