It is important to understand the purpose and function of dental crowns before selecting the materials from which a replacement crown will be made. Most dentists will make the appropriate recommendation to their patient based on the individual need, the kind of demands the crowns will have placed upon them, the amount of space available, and the amount of durability needed. While there are three common materials employed in the manufacture of crowns, or “caps”, the most frequently used is porcelain.One type of porcelain is pure porcelain or ceramic crowns; the other is porcelain merged with metal. Porcelain crowns merged with gold or other dental-safe metals, alloys, or amalgams result in strongest and longer lasting crowns. They are also a realistic and aesthetic choice as they are crafted from materials that will easily match the color of the patient’s natural teeth.

The key to successful application of any kind of crown is the preparation of the tooth to which the crown will be attached.Insufficient space around the tooth being restored can create problems with the adequate placement metal-core porcelain crowns. Dentists will attempt to preserve as much natural tooth structure as possible. Problems with the porcelain on metal crowns could also arise when a patient’s gum slowly recedes with age revealing some of the metal beneath the outer porcelain cover. To address this possibility, an all-porcelain collar may be attached to the crown to conceal the metal should the gum recede.

Zirconia and aluminous materials, which are ceramic materials, are frequently used to make all porcelain crowns. While they are easier to fit, because they do no have the inner metallic core, they are not nearly as durable as the porcelain-on-metal crowns. Many patients opt for the ceramic crowns because they are more realistic in appearance. Crowns that are applied for purely aesthetic purposes are usually the all-porcelain variety, wherever such an application is possible. To have crowns applied a patient must make two visits to their dentist. At the first appointment, the dentist will prepare the teeth and apply a temporary crown on each tooth being treated.During the second visit the patient tries out the comfort and aesthetics of the permanent crown and, once satisfied, the crown permanently fitted with cement or a dental bonding agent.

People with partial dentures may also need crowns applied to the teeth that will be used to secure their partial dentures.

Many cosmetic dentists will recommend implant treatment instead of crown placement, if at all possible, because the implants deliver a stronger and more natural bite, and can support partial dentures without compromising any potential abutting teeth.