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What is a dental crown?

Image of dental crowns in Moline, IL | Quad Cities DentistA dental crown, or sometimes called a cap, is a man-made restoration used to cover the visible part of the tooth known as the clinical crown.  

There are several types of dental crowns used in the dental field.

Stainless Steel Crowns

Crowns that are prefabricated and are a cost-effective way to protect the tooth until a new restoration can be placed. In some cases, stainless steel crowns are placed on primary or baby teeth that have large amounts of decay until the permanent tooth can come in.

Metal Crowns

Metal crowns can be made with base metal alloys or high content metal such as gold or platinum. These type of crowns are very strong and can withstand the forces when we bite or chew.  

Porcelain Fused to Metal Crowns

Porcelain fused to metal crowns were created to help with the one downfall of metal crowns, the aesthetics. This type of crown is a metal crown with a layer of porcelain on top. So you have the strength but still are able to have something that looks close to your natural teeth. The downfall with these, porcelain can chip off over time or when someone grinds their teeth.

Ceramic/Porcelain Dental Crowns

Like all of the examples before, scientists are constantly developing better options. All ceramic/all porcelain crowns are just that. These crowns are 100% ceramic that allows it to mimic your other teeth for a realistic look. Unlike all metal crowns, these are a great option when crowning a front tooth along with people with allergies to metals.


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