What is a Full Coverage Crown?
A full coverage crown is a dental restoration that fully encases a natural tooth, capping the entire visible portion of the tooth above the gum line. Crowns help restore the function and structure of the tooth and can also help restore a tooth’s appearance. In most cases, crowns are used to protect and support a tooth that is damaged or fragile, though they can also be used to restore the appearance of teeth that are damaged or misshapen. Full coverage crowns can be made from a variety of materials, each of which has its own benefits and drawbacks. The type of material chosen for a full coverage crown will depend on the patient’s clinical needs, preferences, and budget.
Full coverage crowns restore the shape, size, and strength of a natural tooth that has been damaged, while protecting the tooth against continued damage or fracture. Crowns can be used to protect teeth that are vulnerable following root canal therapy, and they can also be used to protect teeth with extensive decay, excessively large fillings, or threatening cracks. Full coverage crowns also improve the appearance of teeth that are misshapen, stained, or otherwise aesthetically compromised. When crowns are used to fulfill a largely cosmetic purpose, they are often crafted from porcelain, which is matched to the natural teeth and closely resembles dental enamel’s luster and translucence. Full coverage crowns can also be made of porcelain fused to metal, dental composite resin, metal, and zirconia.
Full coverage crowns are usually placed in two visits to the dentist, though additional visits may be needed for more complicated situations. At the first dental visit, the tooth is prepared by removing decay and shaped to accommodate a crown. Then, impressions of the tooth are made, and the resulting mold is sent to a dental lab where the crown will be fabricated. A temporary crown is placed to protect the prepared tooth while the permanent crown is manufactured. At the second dental visit, the temporary crown is removed and the permanent crown is fitted to the tooth. The fitting process must be careful and precise, to ensure that the crown doesn’t interfere with the bite or look or feel out of place. Once the proper fit is determined, the crown is bonded to the tooth with dental adhesive. Finally, small adjustments are made, as needed, to ensure that the crown feels completely natural and is positioned to function optimally.
Full coverage crowns confer a multitude of benefits, including restoring the function of a tooth, protecting a weak or damaged tooth from further damage, protecting the sensitive inner tissues of a tooth from uncomfortable or damaging stimuli, and improving the appearance of the teeth. Crowns are also durable and long-lasting, though factors like the material chosen, the position of the crown, and the behaviors and habits of the patient affect each crown’s longevity individually. While these benefits can’t be underestimated, there are a few concerns to be aware of. First, the process of preparing a tooth for a full coverage crown necessarily involves the removal of part of the natural tooth structure. This process is irreversible, which means that a crown will always be needed to protect the tooth. It’s also important to care for crowns properly, avoiding damage to the crown while maintaining the health of the gums and surrounding oral tissues. With correct maintenance, it’s possible for a full coverage crown to protect and enhance a damaged tooth for decades, which only adds to the popularity of this common, effective restorative dentistry treatment.