A full-coverage crown is sometimes referred to as a cap, though “cap” doesn’t really explain what a crown does. Yes, the crown does cap the natural tooth – but more like a protective full-length coat than a sporty baseball hat. A crown helps to repair and maintain the shape, structure, and function of a natural tooth that has sustained damage in some way. This dental prosthetic encases the entire portion of the tooth that’s visible above the gum line, restoring the integrity of the tooth. Full-coverage crowns can be custom-made to precisely match the surrounding natural tooth, repairing the appearance of the smile while supporting the natural functions needed to bite and chew.

Full-coverage crowns can be used to repair, protect, or restore:

1. A tooth with extensive decay that may not be able to support a filling
2. A fractured, cracked, or otherwise broken tooth
3. A cavity that appears under an existing crown
4. A tooth that has undergone root canal treatment

The types of crowns used with dental implants resemble full-coverage crowns, but they differ in one key way: a full-coverage crown relies on existing natural tooth structure for support, protecting said tooth structure, while a dental implant crown replaces a missing natural tooth and is supported by a surgically placed dental implant post. So, while both types of crowns improve the function and appearance of the dentition, full-coverage crowns help maintain the tooth’s integrity and preserve as much natural tissue as possible, protecting from infection or further damage.

Healthy teeth are protected by an outer layer of dental enamel that provides the lustrous appearance we expect from teeth. Under this layer of enamel, a tooth is made up of a structure of calcified material, called dentin, which encloses the sensitive pulp that lives inside the tooth’s root and keeps it alive. When the enamel cracks, wears down, or is otherwise compromised by tooth decay or other trauma, the tooth is more vulnerable to infection and additional damage. If the enamel and the dentin are both compromised and the pulp is exposed, the tooth is not only more vulnerable – it’s also painful. While some minor cracks or fractures in the enamel don’t pose much risk, it’s important for these minor cracks to be evaluated by a dentist, lest they become major cracks over time.

Full-coverage crowns can be made from a few different materials, which range considerably in durability, efficacy, aesthetics, and cost. Crowns made of dental resin tend to be far more affordable than other kinds of crowns, though they’re also much more prone to breakage and tend to wear down quickly. Crowns made of ceramic or porcelain provide optimal aesthetic benefits but aren’t as resilient as some other types of crowns. Crowns made of metal alloys or pure metals are the most durable type of crown, though they come with various aesthetic drawbacks; these crowns are either used in the back teeth that are less visible, or chosen because the patient wants a visible metal tooth. Some crowns combine metal and porcelain, with a lifelike porcelain overlay on a sturdy metal base. While these are stronger than pure porcelain and more aesthetic than pure metal, the appearance can diminish if the metal shows through the gums, which isn’t uncommon. Pressed ceramic crowns are optimally aesthetic and durable, but this comes at a greater cost. The best type of full-coverage crown for you will depend on your budget and your clinical needs, and your dentist can help you weigh these options as you plan to protect and restore your damaged tooth or teeth.

Related Article: How Long Do Full Coverage Crowns Last?