Westfields Dental - Richard D. Papp, D.D.S, P.C.

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Crowns or "Caps":
Sometimes, if a tooth is broken, has had a root canal , or has a very large filling, your dentist may recommend a crown or "Cap". A crown is a full coverage restoration that fits over your existing, natural tooth once the dentist has removed the broken or damaged parts. The crown protects the tooth from future fractures and wear. Think of it as armor for your tooth. Unlike armor, however, crowns today don't need to be big and unsightly. Recent materials advances have led to some amazing options. In general there are three types of crowns to choose from:

All metal (gold) crowns
Porcelain fused to metal (PFM) - the most popular
All porcelain

Each has its own strengths and weaknesses:

All metal crowns are very strong and durable. Not too long ago they were the only real option. Gold is a great material for the mouth. It lasts a long time, bacteria hate it and it wears at about the same rate as your natural teeth. The only downside is that they are metal and most people today want teeth that, well...look like teeth.

The porcelain fused to metal crown (PFM) is composed of an underlying metal substructure on which the tooth colored porcelain is baked. The result is a crown that looks more like a tooth, but still maintains some of the strength and durability of an all metal crown.

All porcelain crowns are the pinnacle of esthetics. The porcelain materials mimic natural tooth, allowing natural light to create a lifelike, vibrant appearance. In general these crowns are less tolerant of the crushing forces found further back in the mouth, but do quite well for front teeth.

Deciding which type of crown is right for you can be difficult. In addition to the characteristics described here, your dentist must evaluate several other factors including available space for the crown and how your gums will tolerate the material? It's best to decide which characteristics you desire. For instance, is it more important for your crown to look good or last for 15 years? We can discuss these issues with you so you can choose the crown that best suits your needs.