Different Types of Crowns

Depending on the reason why you need a crown, your dentist may choose from a variety of materials. The most common types of crowns are:

• Porcelain and Ceramic Crowns – Highly valued for their lifelike translucency and biocompatibility, these crowns blend seamlessly with adjacent teeth.
• Metal and Gold Crowns – While durable, these are less common in purely cosmetic cases.
• Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns – These combine a metallic core with a porcelain exterior, offering strength plus aesthetic appeal. The metal base enhances structural integrity while the porcelain overlay provides a natural look.
• All-Resin Crowns – Typically more affordable and quicker to fabricate, resin crowns are best suited for short-term, temporary situations due to lower durability. They’re not the first choice for permanent cosmetic improvements.

The Process of Getting a Crown

At Dover Dental, our team wants to make your procedure as easy as possible. Our process follows these steps:

• Step 1: Consultation and Assessment – Your journey starts with a thorough oral exam to determine whether a crown is needed. We evaluate decay, structural integrity, and aesthetic goals to craft a personalized treatment plan involving cosmetic crowns and cosmetic fillings.
• Step 2: Preparing the Tooth – The tooth is gently reshaped, and any decay or old fillings are removed. Then, we take precise impressions to design your custom crown.
• Step 3: Placement of the Crown – Using CEREC® or 3D-printing, your restoration is fabricated on-site, often in just one appointment. A temporary crown can protect the prepared tooth, safeguarding it from sensitivity and bacterial exposure.
• Step 4: Final Fit and Smile Transformation – After fabrication, your crown is fitted, adjusted for comfort and bite alignment, then permanently bonded. You leave with a durable, natural-looking restoration.

Who Needs Cosmetic Dentistry Crowns?

Still unsure if cosmetic crowns are right for you? We find they are ideal for patients looking to:

• Restore teeth weakened by decay, large fillings, or fractures
• For minor chips, stains, or gaps, cosmetic bonding may be a better solution.
• For more extensive structural issues, crowns offer longer-lasting protection.
• Improve the appearance of teeth that are discolored, misshapen, or worn
• Protect teeth following root canals or trauma
• Achieve a seamless smile when other restorations won’t suffice

• How Long Do Cosmetic Crowns Last?
  • With proper care, crowns can last 10–15 years, and sometimes longer with excellent oral hygiene and regular dental visits.
• Are Crowns Covered by Insurance?
  • If performed for health reasons, such as to protect a weakened or decayed tooth, they are often partially covered. Purely cosmetic crowns may not be covered.
• Do Crowns Look Natural?
  • Porcelain and ceramic crowns can mirror the translucency and color of natural teeth, making them virtually indistinguishable from your own.
• Is the Procedure Painful?
  • Most patients experience minimal discomfort. Local anesthesia ensures a comfortable experience during preparation, and any sensitivity after is typically minor and short-lived.