When a tooth is too damaged, cracked, or weakened for a simple filling to fix, a crown is used to cover the entire visible part of the tooth down to the gum line. It restores the tooth's shape, size, and strength so you can chew without worry.

Why do you need one?

Dentists usually recommend crowns for a few specific reasons:

• Protection: To hold together a cracked tooth or protect a weak tooth from breaking.

• Restoration: To fix a tooth that is already broken or severely worn down.

• Support: To cover a tooth that has a very large filling where there isn't much natural tooth left.

• Cosmetics: To cover misshapen or badly discolored teeth for a better smile.

• Post-Root Canal: Teeth often become brittle after a root canal, and a crown keeps them from snapping.

What are they made of?

Depending on where the tooth is in your mouth (and your budget), crowns can be made of different materials:

• Porcelain/Ceramic: These look the most like natural teeth and are great for front teeth.

• Metal (Gold or Silver alloys): These are incredibly strong and last a long time; usually used for back molars where they aren't very visible.

• Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal: A hybrid that offers the strength of metal with the look of a white tooth.