Crowns

What is a crown? Crowns, commonly referred to as”caps,” are dental restorations that completely cover the teeth. Crowns are typically comprised of all porcelain or porcelain-fused-to-gold (or other metal) or zirconia framework. Crowns serve to reinforce teeth weakened by fracture or extensive decay, restore the natural appearance, and provide a connecting area for the attachment of replacement teeth (pontics) as in a fixed bridge. Crowns are sometimes required to improve the form of teeth to enable better functioning clasps of removable partial dentures or to incorporate concealed precision attachments for more esthetic removable partial dentures.

How long does it take?To complete a crown requires at least two visits to our office. Initially, we will remove decay, re-build or prepare the tooth, make an impression of the tooth (to create a duplicate model of the site), and fit it with a temporary resin crown. On the subsequent visit we will remove the temporary crown, check the fit of the final crown and finally cement or bond the crown into place.

What is a core? When is it necessary? A core is a restoration applied and anchored to the root segment of a tooth by (a) a post cemented in the canal of a root canal treated tooth, (b) mini-pins threaded into the root structure, or (c) bonding of composite resin to the remaining tooth structure.The core serves as a secure foundation for the new crown. A core is required when sufficient remaining tooth structure is not available to support a crown.

At rest position with lips slightly apart the patient does no show the upper teeth due to excessive wear (upper left).  On a wide smile, the wear of the teeth becomes apparent (upper right).

After the teeth are restored to normal length with all-ceramic crowns, the patients displays a natural look both in rest position (lower left) and during a wide smile. (lower right). (By Dr. Livaditis).