A crown is a
restoration that covers, or "caps," a tooth to restore it to
its normal shape and size, strengthening and improving the
appearance of a tooth. Crowns are necessary when a tooth is
generally broken down and fillings won't solve the problem.
If a tooth is cracked, a crown holds the tooth together to
seal the cracks so the damage doesn't get worse. Crowns are
also used to support a large filling when there isn't enough
of the tooth remaining, attach a bridge, protect weak teeth
from fracturing, restore fractured teeth, or cover badly
shaped or discolored teeth.
Why Crowns
And Not Veneers?
Crowns require
more tooth structure removal, hence, they cover more of the
tooth than veneers. Crowns are stationary and are
customarily indicated for teeth that have sustained
significant loss of structure, or to replace missing teeth.
Crowns may be placed on natural teeth or dental implants.
Will It Look
Natural?
Yes. The
dentist's main goal is to create crowns that look like
natural teeth. That is why dentists take an impression. To
achieve a certain look, a number of factors are considered,
such as the color, bite, shape, and length of your natural
teeth. Any one of these factors alone can affect your
appearance. If you have a certain cosmetic look in mind for
your crown, discuss it with your dentist at your initial
visit. When the procedure is complete, your teeth will not
only be stronger, but they may be more attractive.
