A crown is a dental restoration used to strengthen teeth, restore their shape, and improve their appearance, and to protect them from further damage. Crowns can be made of porcelain, metal alloys, ceramic, or resin.

What are dental crowns?

Dental crowns are caps that are placed over a tooth to restore its shape and function. They are often needed when a tooth has been damaged by decay or trauma, or if a large filling wears out over time. They can also be used to protect teeth that have large fillings that are sensitive to temperature extremes and require extra strength.

A dental crown can be made from a number of materials, such as metal, porcelain, resin, ceramic, or fused zirconia. Porcelain is the most popular choice because of its durability. Gold is another good option because it is highly resistant to corrosion and does not stain easily. However, both of these metal options are not as aesthetic as other options. (Aesthetics are just what they sound like – how they look.) Patients who want a more discreet restoration may prefer an all-ceramic or all-porcelain crown. These crowns offer the look, feel, and durability of natural teeth.

The type of crown you need will depend on the size of your tooth and how much of your natural tooth structure remains. In some cases, we may recommend placing a crown on your tooth to protect it until you can come in for a more permanent treatment. For example, if a baby tooth is infected, we may place a stainless steel crown over it until it erupts to make room for a permanent tooth. Or, if you have a cavity, we will usually place a temporary crown over it until you can come in to have it filled. Temporary crowns are made of acrylic or stainless steel and are cemented in place, while permanent crowns are held in place with cement that is cured with a special light.

-Dr. Katie Botticelli, DDS

*This post was originally published in October of 2017 and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness in March of

Porcelain dental crowns

A crown is a tooth-shaped cap that is placed over a tooth that has been damaged, decayed or cracked. Dental crowns can be made from several different materials and are available in various shades to match the color of your tooth enamel. They are attached to your tooth using a dental cement. Because a crown encases the entire visible portion of the tooth, it can also be used to improve your smile’s appearance by covering teeth that are misshapen or have other aesthetic concerns. In addition to being functional and cosmetic, porcelain crowns can also be used to anchor a bridge in place.

At-home kits like CEREC allow your dentist to prepare and place a crown during a single visit. The dentist will remove the damaged or decayed portion of your tooth, and then scan the area using digital imaging technology. Once your dental crown is ready, the dentist will attach it to your tooth using a special dental adhesive. Once placed, your dental crown should look, feel and function like your natural teeth.

Ceramic dental crowns

Dr. Jones offers ceramic crowns for some patients at her cosmetic dentistry office. A crown is a tooth-shaped cap that is placed over a tooth to restore its function and appearance, especially when the tooth is cracked or heavily decayed. When the crown is made of porcelain, the color can be matched to the rest of your teeth for a more natural-looking effect. This material also replicates the translucent quality of enamel better than other materials used for crowns, which makes for a restoration that looks as natural as possible. In addition, it is durable enough to withstand the force of chewing. Although it is not as strong as your natural teeth, it can be made to be about the same strength as your natural tooth enamel has been worn down to. There are different types of crowns to choose from, and Dr. Jones will carefully review your options with you so you can determine which one is right for you.

For more information, contact our office at [phone] to schedule an appointment. In addition to our convenient location in [city], we have several other offices throughout Utah. We look forward to meeting you!

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Author: DrJonesDDS

Dr. Jamie L. Jones received her Bachelor of Science degree from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. She received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2004 from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry in Kentucky. Following a one-year hospital-based residency with advanced training in IV sedation and dental implants, she opened a dental practice in Louisville, Kentucky in 2005. In June of 2007, Dr. Jones sold her practice and returned to her home state with her husband, Justin and their newborn daughter, Abigail. They are happy to be back in the beautiful mountains of Utah.

Since March of 2009,

Metals used in dental crowns

Ceramic, porcelain-fused-to-metal, and gold crowns are the three most common metals used for crowns today.

Metallic crowns are generally not recommended because alloys can cause allergic reactions or discolor the tooth as time goes on. The metal also tends to tarnish and corrode more easily than ceramic or porcelain. However, if a patient needs a complete or partial coverage on a tooth that is seen often, then a metal crown may be the best option. Metal is also less expensive than other options.

Porcelain bonded to metal crowns are made up of a cover made of porcelain that is fused to a thin layer of base metal like gold. This combination creates a strong crown that can protect the tooth, but it does have potential drawbacks. Because both porcelain and metal are harder than the natural enamel of the teeth, patients may notice increased wear on the opposing teeth when biting down.

Gold crowns are actually much softer than other tooth coverings. This makes them less likely to chip or crack over time, but it also means that they are less durable. These crowns may also cause some discoloration to the surrounding gums. Other metals may be used as crowns as well, such as palladium, nickel, silver, platinum, copper, tin, zinc, and others.

Your dentist will help you decide which type of crown will give you the most benefit.