Dental crowns are most commonly used to restore cracked or broken teeth or as caps to protect teeth that are weakened by decay or large fillings. They are frequently placed on top of dental implants as a tooth replacements. Back teeth that have had root canal therapy require crowns to prevent fracture of teeth or roots. Crowns form the anchors for permanently cemented dental bridges. A crown is placed on each side of the space left by a missing tooth. A porcelain replacement tooth connected to each crown forms the bridge. Dental crowns can create beautiful cosmetics by covering misshapen or discolored teeth and can even create instant orthodontics in some cases.

All Ceramic E-Max Dental Crowns

E-Max (lithium disilicate) crowns are all ceramic crowns with beautiful natural translucency. In fact, they often blend so well it’s difficult to distinguish the crowns from the natural teeth. Because they are extremely strong, they can be used to restore both front and back teeth. Emax crowns are biocompatible, meaning gum tissue will remain healthy alongside the restoration. For all of these reasons, E-max crowns are often the first choice for dental crowns.

Zirconia Dental Crowns

For the strongest tooth colored dental crown option, dentists opt for zirconia dental crowns. Zirconia provides the similar benefits as E-Max crowns including strength and a natural appearance. They are less translucent, but still very esthetic compared with other options. When used for front teeth, they can be layered with more translucent porcelain to make them blend beautifully and look extremely natural. In the back of the mouth zirconia is not layered to preserve its maximum strength. It is the best option for tight spaces, patients who grind or have heavy bite forces, or for dental bridges that replace missing teeth.

Porcelain Fused to Metal Crowns

This type of crown is not used as much now that we have E-Max and zirconia but is still used occasionally to match other existing similar crowns or for bridges. The metal framework gives strength which is especially important for bridges.

Gold Crowns

When strength is the only consideration and esthetics are not important, gold is an excellent material for a dental crown. Gold can be thin but still very strong so it works well for molars when a patient does not mind the appearance of the gold.

The Procedure

After numbing, the tooth is prepared for the crown. This means the tooth is shaped so that when the crown is placed over it the contour will be just like a natural tooth. Crowns often cover the entire top and all sides of the tooth, but they can also be made as partial crowns leaving some walls uncovered. Next, a precision impression is made of your tooth to send to the lab. The lab will create your permanent dental crown. While the lab is creating your crown, you will wear a comfortable and natural looking temporary crown. Once your permanent crown has arrived, it will be fit to your tooth, then cemented or bonded in place. You will care for your dental crown just like you would a natural tooth: brush and floss regularly and continue to see Dr. Hanschu for cleanings and exams.

Laurie T. Hanschu DDS
6660 Coyle Ave. #240 
Carmichael, CA 95608

Phone: (916) 966-5269

Office Hours:
Mon: 8:30am - 5:00pm
Tue: 8:30am - 5:00pm
Wed: 8:30am - 5:00pm
Thu: 8:30am - 5:00pm
Fri: 8:30am - 5:00pm
Sat-Sun: Closed