Dental crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” that is placed over a damaged or decayed tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and/or improve its appearance. Dental crowns can be made from different materials such as porcelain, metal, ceramic, or a combination of these materials.

Here are the main types of dental crowns:

1. Porcelain/ceramic crowns – These crowns are popular because they provide a natural-looking appearance and can match the colour of your existing teeth. Porcelain or ceramic crowns are often used on front teeth that require aesthetics. For those patients requiring same day crowns, Cerec is available, see below.

2. Metal crowns – These crowns are highly durable and are made from metals like gold, nickel, or chromium. Metal crowns are strong enough to withstand heavy biting forces but may not match the colour of your existing teeth. Metal crowns can be used on back teeth that are not visible.

3. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns – These crowns combine the strength of metal crowns and the natural-looking appearance of porcelain or ceramic crowns. They can be used on both front and back teeth, but the porcelain may wear down over time, leading to a more noticeable metal margin at the gumline.

4. All-resin crowns – These crowns are made from composite resin material and are less expensive than other crown options. They are somewhat weaker than porcelain or ceramic crowns and can be prone to chipping or cracking. These crowns are generally used as a temporary solution.

Your dentist will recommend the most suitable type of dental crown based on the location of the damaged tooth and your needs.

A CEREC crown is a type of dental crown that is made using computer-aided technology. The dental crown is made using an imaging tool that takes 3D pictures of the tooth that needs the crown. Based on these pictures, a 3D printer mills this crown from a block of ceramic material.

The CEREC crown can be completed in a single visit to the dentist, which is a significant advantage over traditional crowns that can take multiple appointments to complete.

The CEREC crown technology allows for a quick and accurate dental restoration with excellent aesthetic results. It is a perfect option for people

who cannot commit several appointments for a traditional crown or those who want to avoid temporary crowns.