If you have a tooth that is cracked, worn out or has a cavity that is too large to fill, your dentist can place a crown on it to restore normal shape, color, size and function. While crowns are made from several types of materials – metal alloys, ceramics, porcelain, composite resin, or combinations of these materials – it can often be colored and shaped to blend with your natural teeth. Preparing and placing a dental crown typically requires two visits to the dentist. During the first visit your dentist will check and treat your teeth for decay, infection or injury to the pulp, in addition to taking an impression of the teeth which helps the lab make the crown that mimics your natural teeth perfectly. At the second visit usually in a couple of weeks, the permanent crown is placed on your tooth. Crowns last for many years, depending on the amount of “wear and tear” the crown is exposed to, oral hygiene practices and personal mouth-related habits, such as grinding teeth, biting fingernails etc. But otherwise a crowned tooth requires no additional special care compared to your natural teeth.
