Crowns are no more than permanent caps in the shape of tooth that are cemented on top of your real tooth. They can solve a variety of issues. They can protect a weak tooth from rotting. They can also prevent a tooth from breaking or even hold a cracked tooth together. Cosmetically, they can be installed to cover up chipped or discolored teeth.

To install a crown, your dentist will grind down your existing tooth until it looks similar to the top of a round peg. He or she will then cement the crown into place. Your new crown will fully encase the visible portion of your tooth, from the gum line and above.

Crowns are made from a variety of materials. Depending on the crowns location in your mouth, your dentist will recommend the appropriate type of crown for your situation. Some of the materials are: resin, metal, porcelain fused to metal, and ceramic.