A crown is a custom made dental restoration, which protects the underlying tooth. It simulates the external anatomy of natural teeth. Crowns are typically made of porcelain, however, to give the crown more strength, the core can be made with other materials, traditionally gold alloy and more recently alumina or zirconia.
In cases of great loss of tooth structure, such as large cavities or trauma, the retention of a porcelain veneer or a filling would be very difficult, therefore crowns are used. They are also used in cases of endodontically treated teeth, to give strength to the entire tooth and avoid fractures. Today ceramic crowns are demanded more and more because of the high aesthetic and durability they provide, combining the beauty of porcelain and metal resistance.
You may need a crown in cases of:
•Extensive tooth decay
•Large fillings weakening the remaining tooth
•Broken or cracked teeth
•A tooth that has had root canal therapy
•A misaligned or misshaped tooth
•Fillings that are breaking down and cannot be refilled