Crowns

What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a full-coverage restoration that encases the entire visible portion of a tooth, restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns are custom-fabricated to match the surrounding teeth and are bonded permanently in place. They are a versatile and essential tool in both restorative and cosmetic dentistry.

When Is a Crown Recommended?

A crown may be indicated for a variety of functional and aesthetic reasons, including:

Large decay or broken fillings: When a tooth has too much damage for a filling to hold.
Fractured or weakened teeth: To prevent further damage or loss of the tooth.
After a root canal: To protect the brittle tooth from fracture.
To restore worn or eroded teeth: Especially due to grinding (bruxism) or acid erosion.
To improve appearance: Covering misshapen, discolored, or unattractive teeth.
As part of a dental bridge: Crowns on adjacent teeth anchor a prosthetic tooth.
Placed on dental implants: A crown is used as the visible tooth replacement.

Benefits of Dental Crowns

Restores function – You can chew and bite normally again
Protects remaining tooth structure – Prevents further damage
Improves appearance – Natural color and contour blend with your smile
Durability – Crowns can last 10–15 years or longer with proper care
Versatility – Suitable for both cosmetic and restorative purposes

Considerations

Tooth preparation is irreversible
May require future replacement due to wear, decay at margins, or changes in gum tissue
Temporary sensitivity or discomfort is possible after placement
Cost varies depending on materials, complexity, and insurance coverage
Proper hygiene and regular dental visits are essential to maintain the crown and underlying tooth

Sample clinical cases:

• Two Anterior Individual Crowns

The two front teeth (the upper middle ones) were broken due to an injury. Over the years, they were repaired several times with bonding material. Now, two crowns will be placed to bring back their original length, appearance, and function.

Before