Teeth are often restored with fillings of silver or composite plastics.
These materials can often accomplish the aim of replacing the part of the tooth
that has been lost in a strong and good-looking manner.
However, there comes a point where the damage to the tooth has removed too much
structure to hold a filling. The restoration must be done by a technique
that will attach to the remaining tooth, stand up under heavier use and meet
more elaborate cosmetic requirements.
The crown is the dental restoration that can strengthen and restore the entire
top of a tooth. The crown can also be part of the attachment of a fixed
bridge for the replacement of teeth. The tooth is strengthened because it
is covered from the outside with a casting of metal or ceramic that will wrap up
and splint the tooth.
The chewing of the tooth can be improved because it can be reshaped to match
more efficiently with the opposing teeth. A crown can
improve cosmetics by the use of modern ceramic processes that produce
translucency and color that is more natural than has ever been possible.