A crown is basically a covering that goes over a tooth that both strengthens the tooth as well as makes it look better. There are different types of crowns based on the individual needs of each patient. Sometimes we utilize a porcelain/gold crown, which has been around for years and is the staple of restoring back teeth. The porcelain covers the gold, so cosmetically it looks like a tooth while the gold underneath strengthens it. There are also crowns made out of zirconia, which is metal- and gold-free, and it looks really great, but it has not had the longevity or success of the porcelain/gold crown. It can, however, be very useful in high cosmetic areas and in those with space limitations.
Sometimes, for various reasons, we will utilize a resin or composite crown for temporary or intermediate timeframes. These do not last as long and are not meant for permanent or long-term sustainability. Last but not least is the full-gold crown, which we use on occasion because it is virtually impossible to break. It can be used to strengthen very short teeth in non-cosmetic areas of the patient’s mouth.
Crowns are the longest-lasting restorations known in dentistry. Some estimates place their durability at 5 to 15 years. Our office feels that if people continue to take care of their teeth and gums on a regular basis, their crowns may last a lifetime. We have hundreds of patients with crowns placed by our team that have lasted for 35 years and counting.
(The information contained in this article is strictly for educational purposes and is not meant to replace the professional knowledge or advice of your personal dentist.)
