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Dental crowns restore the visible portion of a tooth when decay, fractures, or wear reduce natural strength. These restorations may be placed on natural teeth or dental implants and also anchor dental bridges or partial dentures. While veneers change only the cosmetic appearance of the teeth, crowns add structure and restore function.
How Crowns Can Help
Crowns reinforce natural teeth when enamel breaks down from decay, cracks, or long-term wear. A crown is a cap that envelopes the remaining tooth structure, creating a stable biting surface that withstands regular chewing. Since the crown replaces the outer layer, it restores functional alignment with neighboring teeth.
Crowns can also connect to dental bridges when one or more teeth are missing in a row. A bridge anchors to crowns placed on the teeth next to the gap, and these crowns hold the artificial replacement teeth in place. When a natural tooth cannot support a crown, an implant topped with a crown may be used to complete the bridge.
When an implant replaces a single missing tooth, a dentist can attach a crown to the implant after healing. The crown is the visible portion of the restoration, and its shape matches the contours of the surrounding teeth. Because the crown connects directly to the implant post, it restores chewing function while retaining a natural appearance. This combination allows implants to support both single-tooth and multi-tooth restorations.
Crown Materials
Crowns are available in several materials, each offering a different balance of strength and appearance. Material selection depends on the tooth’s location, the level of chewing force, and the restoration’s aesthetic goals. The different material types include:
- Metal: withstands heavy chewing forces. Often used on molars.
- Ceramic: matches the shade of natural teeth and offers durability for front and back areas.
- Porcelain: provides natural translucency and blends well with neighboring teeth.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal: combines a metal base with an outer porcelain layer for added strength and a tooth-colored surface.
- Resin: typically used as temporary coverings while the final crown is being fabricated.
The wide range of materials allows customization of each crown to meet functional needs and visual preferences. While resin serves short-term purposes, the remaining materials support long-term tooth structure restoration.
Care and Maintenance
Caring for a crown is similar to caring for a natural tooth, although certain habits help protect the restoration. Once the crown is in place, chewing usually returns to normal, and the tooth has the height and shape needed for comfortable bite alignment. Because the materials used in crowns resist wear, they provide long-term stability as long as daily oral care remains consistent.
To maintain a crown, brush twice a day with a nonabrasive toothpaste and clean around the gumline where plaque tends to collect. Floss around the crown to remove debris that can accumulate between the restoration and neighboring teeth. Regular dental visits support long-term results, as these appointments allow a provider to monitor the fit and the condition of the surrounding enamel.
Dietary habits may require minor adjustments depending on the crown material and location. Sticky or hard foods may place extra pressure on the edges of the restoration, so moderation helps protect the crown from unnecessary stress. Temperature sensitivity may occur shortly after placement, but it usually decreases as the tooth adjusts.
Learn More About Dental Crowns
Crowns restore strength to damaged teeth and can support other dental restorations. Their versatility makes them suitable for a range of restorative needs, and the choice of materials allows each crown to be shaped and shaded to blend with surrounding teeth. Not only do crowns improve the appearance of teeth, but they also create structure and support.
