When are dental crowns or caps the right choice?

Dental crowns or caps are generally suggested when the existing teeth are too badly damaged to be corrected with ceramic fillings or veneers. The results are dramatic, restoring your smile to its former glory and strength.

There are three main types of crowns: gold crowns, ceramic crowns and metal-ceramic crowns, which are made of gold and then covered with ceramic veneers.

Gold and metal-ceramic crowns are known for their durability and are generally used on molars, because of the wear and tear from chewing and grinding. Ceramic crowns are the more popular option for front teeth because they closely match the colour of natural teeth.

A variety of materials are used for ceramic dental caps and crowns: feldspathic porcelain and pressed ceramic porcelains have been used for years; more recently, reinforced resin or bonded all-porcelain caps are a more popular option in cosmetic dentistry. They look almost exactly like natural teeth, are free of metal and the new bonding technology means longevity, making them the ideal choice for patients.