Crowns

Crowns can be used to correct color and alignment defects and structural damage to individual teeth. This process is more invasive than veneers, but provides a stronger restoration when added strength is required. Crowns come in 3 basic types: all gold, all porcelain, or a blend of the two. Gold is the most predictable and requires the least removal of tooth structure, but may not be the best cosmetic choice. All porcelain crowns provide the best cosmetics, but sometimes requires removal of more tooth structure than the other crowns, and has a higher risk factor for cracking than gold crowns. PBM's (porcelain bonded to metal crowns) provide an OK cosmetic result while relying on the predictability of the metal for a tight seal.  PMB's are currently the most common crown choice, but recent advances in all porcelain crowns are starting to change that.

Crowns are most often done one at a time, but in some situations, multiple teeth are in need of work and can cause significant aesthetic concerns. If your smile is like the examples shown, crowns can be used as a quick and very successful way to improve your smile.

Case #3 - 8 Procera all Porcelain Crowns

This individual had several PBM style crowns on her top teeth that where breaking down, some of which showing the characteristic "black line" that often appears at the gum line with this type of crown.  Rather than doing a couple at a time, the patient opted to have 8 done at once. This allowed for the best control over the shape and color the new crowns. Additionally, the patient opted for Procera all porcelain crowns to improve the aesthetics and help avoid any future "black lines".  The top front 8 teeth were done with this case over 3 visits.

Case #2 - 4 Procera all Porcelain Crowns

This individual did not like the look of her front teeth as they were discolored, chipping, and heavily worn down. However, she did like the space between her front teeth and wanted to maintain that. To correct her concerns, 4 Procera crowns were done on the top front 4 teeth.

Case #1 - 8 PBM Crowns

This individual had multiple teeth that were breaking down and extensively restored with various fillings. To improve the cosmetics of these teeth, and ultimately improve the overall strength of the restorations, 8 PBM crowns were opted for on the top front teeth. PBM's were chosen over all porcelain crowns due to the extensive restorations already present and the need to preserve tooth structure (at the time this case was done, all porcelain crowns required greater thickness than PBM's, which is no longer the case).