Crowns:
Sometimes referred to as 'caps', a crown completely covers a
tooth, and can save a damaged or broken tooth. Crowning
teeth with large fillings can protect them from fracture, often
preventing future procedures and expense (as well as tooth loss).
A crown may be made of various materials. The type of crown
that is best for you will depend on your specific needs. Three
examples of crowns that are available are:
P.F.M.: (picture)
Porcelain Fused to Metal crowns use porcelain baked onto a
metal shell. The porcelain is shaded or colored to blend with
your natural teeth. There are many variations of this technique
depending on your individual requirements.
Full Cast:
A full metal 'cap' that is usually cast out of gold - but
non-precious metals are sometimes used to reduce cost. This
type of crown is often best for situations where esthetics
(the look) is not a consideration.
Full Ceramic: (picture)
Porcelain is baked to a durable ceramic shell which provides
for excellent fracture resistance. This is especially important
when dealing with 'strong bite' problems. This type of crown is
the most desirable for anterior (front) teeth.
