Dental Crown

A tooth may be damaged by decay, a fractured filling, and trauma from bruxism, an accident or from chewing on very hard objects. When the damage is extensive and the remaining tooth structure is compromised, a crown will be prescribed for the restoration of the tooth involved. A dental crown is an artificial replacement that restores missing tooth structure by surrounding part or all of the remaining tooth structure with a material such as cast metal, porcelain, or a combination of materials such as metal and porcelain.

We offer all-metal, complete cast crowns to patients requiring restorations for severely damaged posterior teeth.  Cast metal crowns have the best longevity of all fixed restorations.  Since there is no need to create room for the addition of a porcelain layer, the tooth preparation can more conservative and less sound tooth structure will need to be removed.

Ceramic crowns can provide some of the most beautiful restorations made today.  These restorations can be made to match natural tooth structure in terms of color, surface characteristics and realistic translucency.  Higher strength ceramics have been developed to make all ceramic restorations stronger than in the past. New adhesive cements are used to bond these restorations in place.

Porcelain fused to metal crowns have been used for dental restorations since the late 1950’s.  A high noble or noble metal substructure supports a ceramic veneer that is mechanically and chemically bonded to it.  The chemical component of this bond is achieved through baking (firing).  To create a natural looking crown, porcelain powders of varying composition and color are used to achieve the desired aesthetic result.

How long does it take to make an aesthetic dental crown?

Achieving an aesthetic restoration is a fine art.  A custom made provisional restoration is first fabricated that will protect the tooth preparation and preserve the space for the final restoration.  The provisional restoration will provide healthy contours at the gum line against which the tissue become or stay healthy.  Since the concept of beauty can be a very personal and unique perception, a crown with a high aesthetic demand may take longer to complete.  Dr. Torres-Melendez and Dr. Spatz will make every effort to achieve a pleasing outcome for the patient.

Benefits of a Dental Crown

• Replace missing tooth structure
• Protection of remaining tooth structure
• Natural appearance
• Restore the beauty of the tooth
• Complement your smile

Before Treatment

After Treatment