Are Dental Crowns Necessary?

When a tooth is fractured, has a large old filling or is severely damaged by decay, your dentist may recommend the placement of a crown, also called a cap. Crowns strengthen and protect the remaining tooth structure and can improve the appearance of your smile. Types of crowns include the full porcelain crown, the porcelain-fused-to-metal crown and the all-metal crown.

How Dental Crowns Work

Fitting a crown requires at least two visits to the dentist's office. Initially, the dentist removes decay, prepares and shapes the tooth and makes an impression. The dentist then makes and fits a temporary or transitional crown made out of plastic or metal. In the second visit the dentist removes the temporary crown, fits and adjusts the final crown and cements it into place.

Teeth Whitening for Crowns and Veneers

Your dentist will match the crown color to the color of your teeth. If you are considering whitening your teeth , you should talk to your dentist about tooth whitening options before the crown is made. Since bleaching products do not affect the color of crowns, it is important that your natural teeth are whitened first so the dentist can match the crown color to the color of your teeth after they are whitened.