If a long look in the mirror reveals a broken or cracked tooth, a dental crown might be the best solution. A dental crown is a cap that covers the ‘crown’ of the tooth, either completely or partially. If a tooth has been seriously worn down over time, is breaking or severely discolored, a crown offers the appearance of an intact tooth. A crown can be used for a cosmetic modification, resulting in a more attractive smile. Children occasionally require crowns to save a damaged tooth or protect the tooth from further decay (the crown comes out with the ‘baby tooth’). Some dental procedures on adults require the use of a temporary crown while the permanent crown is being made.
Crowns can be made from several materials.
Metal: Many adults prefer gold-alloy crowns. Stainless steel is strong and cost-effective; these crowns are occasionally used for children’s teeth (and are common in many countries for all ages). Metal crowns are very strong and rarely break, an excellent choice for a back molar that isn’t seen. The biggest drawback to metal crowns is the color.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal: These crowns are colored to match adjacent teeth. The porcelain can chip or break over time, exposing the metal underneath, but overall these crowns are durable.
All-porcelain or all-ceramic: These offer the best color match to the other teeth and are usually the best choice for front teeth. If someone is allergic to metals, porcelain or ceramic crowns may be the only choice. They are not as strong as the porcelain over metal crowns, but are an excellent choice.
Resin: Resin crowns are the least expensive, but are more likely to chip and don’t wear as well as other types of crowns.
Dr. Saul Legator DDS practices at Dr. Legator Dentistry in Chicago, IL and Lincolnwood, IL. The practice focuses on providing all of their patients with the comfort level they require for dental procedures, as well as on saving their patients time and money. Dr. Legator is a member of several professional associations, including the American Dental Society and the Chicago Dental Society. He also received the Esthetic Elite Award. Dr. Legator’s education includes an Oral Surgery Personal Internship at the University of Illinois, working with the Chairman of the Dept. of Oral Surgery. He specializes in Chicago, IL Dental Crowns (tooth or gold colored). The dental offices offer same-day appointments and $25 consultations.
