A crown is a covering that encases the entire tooth surface, restoring it to its original shape and size. A crown protects and strengthens tooth structure that cannot be restored with fillings or other types of restorations. Crowns restore functionality to teeth and they can also provide optimal esthetic results for your smile.
There are several different kinds of crowns, depending on the material used for their fabrication: metal-ceramic crowns, all-ceramic crowns, zirconia crowns.
Metal-ceramic crowns have a metallic core covered by porcelain. They are durable and strong.
All-ceramic crowns are fabricated entirely from porcelain and are the most esthetic type of crowns, because they most resemble the natural teeth. Newer ceramic materials have been developed that offer optimal strength.
Zirconia crowns (the newest type of all-ceramic crowns) have either a core or are entirely fabricated from zirconia, a white and very strong dental material. Since there is no metal or dark background this type of crown is considered an esthetic restoration suitable for posterior teeth.