A crown is a porcelain structure that replaces the entire external portion of the tooth, from the tip to the gum. This method of treatment can serve both cosmetic and tactical reasoning. Crowns are the best choice in situations where tooth decay has destroyed most of the original tooth or when a traumatic event has caused damage. They are also an option for patients who grind and clench their teeth so much that the original structure of their teeth becomes compromised.

A porcelain crown is a smart choice because it not only replicates the original tooth in function but can also be designed to look as good or better than the original. When patients choose to get a crown for cosmetic reasons, they are usually covering up some aesthetic flaw in the visible surface of the tooth.

Crowns are situated and secured in the mouth using a light-sensitive resin placed between the original tooth and crown. That resin is then hardened with a special curing light. Porcelain crowns do require some laboratory time to be created, so expect to be fitted with a temporary, provisional crown for a while.

Some patients may experience sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures after crowns are attached, but that normally subsides within a short amount of time. While porcelain crowns are very thick and durable, they do not have the flexibility of natural teeth, so avoiding certain foods may be necessary. Chronic tooth-grinders can be fitted with a nighttime mouth guard to protect the porcelain from unnecessary and excessive pressure and use. Caring for a crown does not differ from the routine maintenance required for natural teeth.