As we age, many of us find ourselves with teeth that are no longer structurally sound. Root canals, lost fillings, decay below a filling, chipping and cracking of the enamel are all things that can lead to large scale defects in a tooth's surface. When the entire surface of the tooth is a problem, but the root system is intact, a crown might be just what the dentist orders.

Crowns refer to individual caps on specific teeth that cover the entire visible surface of the tooth. For this, an impression of the tooth is made to create a crown that will be cemented later onto the tooth. These may be all porcelain, or a combination of porcelain and metal. Generally, crowns are permanent, although patient diet, home care, and dental maintenance can have an effect on their longevity. Crowns add strength, durability and stability to damaged and worn teeth. Tooth grinding wears down portions of the teeth, making the tips of middle and back teeth more susceptible to breakage.

In other instances, crowns are used to replace an actual missing tooth. These crowns are anchored to the teeth on either side, with a bridge section connecting the two crowns. Instead of bridges, single tooth dental implants may be used that eliminate the need for supporting the crowns.