A crown is a method of tooth restoration, specially designed for cases where teeth have lost a significant amount of tooth structure, either due to fracture, decay, extensive wear, or root canal-treated teeth that have lost their vitality and are prone to fracture. In such cases, full coverage of the tooth is required.
The dentist shapes the tooth so that it obtains the specific form required. An impression is then taken and sent to the dental laboratory for the fabrication of the crown. While waiting for the final restoration, the patient leaves the clinic with a temporary acrylic crown.
After checking the final restoration for proper fit and aesthetics, it is bonded into place. In this way, not only the strength and durability of the tooth are restored, but also its shape and colour, so that it blends harmoniously with the rest of the teeth in the mouth.
Crowns are divided into two main categories: metal-ceramic crowns, which have a metal framework and porcelain on the outside, and all-ceramic crowns, which are made entirely of ceramic material, such as zirconia or lithium disilicate.
All-ceramic crowns offer several advantages, such as excellent aesthetics due to the absence of metal, more conservative tooth preparation, and avoidance of possible allergic reactions that may occur with metal alloys. It is worth noting that their cost is higher than that of metal-ceramic crowns.
