by
Dr. Nazanin (Nazi) Bonianian, DDS
— Dental Surgeon & Cosmetic Dentist (Medical Council No. 138662)
Looking for a dental crown Tehran specialist? We provide tooth crown restorations for front and molar teeth, including implant crown, temporary crown, immediate dental crown and same-day crown options when clinically suitable.
One of the solutions for protecting a restored tooth is to crown it. But what material is a dental crown made of?
Do all restored teeth need a crown? What are the pros, cons, and lifespan of a dental crown?
Join us in this article from Dr. Bonyanian’s dental clinic as we delve into all these topics.
What is a Dental Crown?
A Dental Crown (or dental cap) is a tooth-colored prosthetic piece that is placed over a tooth in dentistry, either for protection or aesthetics, and it completely mimics the natural shape of a human tooth.
A dental crown is usually fabricated in a dental laboratory and cemented onto the tooth or implant abutment by a dentist. With the help of a crown, your tooth will look exactly like a natural, healthy tooth in terms of delicacy, beauty, and form.
Crowns fall under the category of dental prosthetics and are placed either on a natural tooth (usually after root canal treatment) or on a dental implant base.
When Do We Need a Dental Crown?
- When a tooth is severely broken or cracked.
- After root canal treatment (endodontics) to protect a weakened tooth.
- To restore teeth where a large portion has been lost due to decay.
- To cover and protect damaged or discolored teeth.
- To hold a dental bridge in place.
- To improve the aesthetics of teeth that have an improper shape or size.
- In cases where a large filling doesn’t provide sufficient strength.
- For dental implants, as the final restoration over the abutment.
Applications of Dental Crowns
Crowns are also beneficial for individuals with dental imperfections who are dissatisfied with the shape, position, or color of their teeth. Although the primary solution for correcting dental misalignments is orthodontic treatment, in situations where orthodontics is not feasible, crowning can be the best alternative.
Dental crowns are also used in other instances. For example:
- For broken teeth
- For decayed teeth
- When your teeth have undergone root canal or endodontic treatment.
- Malocclusion of teeth.
- When you have had dental implants placed.
- Reconstruction of prepared (trimmed) teeth.
- Restoration of pointed or abnormally shaped teeth.
- Closing gaps between teeth (diastema).
- Improving the appearance of teeth that are smaller than average.
- Improving the aesthetic appearance of teeth that have severe discoloration or uneven color (to an extent that teeth whitening is not effective).
Types of Dental Crowns by Material
Dental crowns vary based on the material used. Your specialist dentist will recommend the best option based on the crown’s location, your budget, the type of application, your oral hygiene habits, occlusion (bite) and other conditions after a thorough examination.
In general, types of dental crowns include:
1. All-Porcelain or All-Ceramic Crowns
All-ceramic crowns are made of ceramic material and are also known as all-porcelain crowns. These crowns are the most popular type among all dental crowns—especially for anterior teeth due to their natural translucency and aesthetics.
Types of all-ceramic crowns include:
- Zirconia crowns: very high strength, increasingly aesthetic with multilayer systems.
- Glass-ceramic crowns: such as lithium disilicate, offering excellent translucency for front teeth.
- Hybrid ceramic crowns: resin-ceramic blends aimed at shock absorption and ease of milling.
2. Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns
A porcelain-fused-to-metal crown (PFM crown) has a metal substructure veneered with porcelain. It offers strength and reasonable aesthetics, though a gray line may appear at the gumline in some cases over time.
3. Full-Metal Crowns
Metal crowns (noble or base-metal alloys) provide maximum strength and are often selected for molars where bite forces are higher and aesthetics are less critical.
4. Stainless Steel Crowns (Pediatric)
Stainless steel crown (pediatric) options are pre-formed and commonly used for primary teeth because they are durable and efficient to place.
Immediate Dental Crown (Temporary Crown)
You may have heard of immediate or temporary dental crowns. These crowns play an effective role in many dental procedures. For example, when you are undergoing dental implant placement or when a lab-made permanent crown is being fabricated, a temporary crown maintains appearance and protects the tooth.
| Feature | Immediate Dental Crown | Other Crowns (Permanent) |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation Time | Made and fitted in one session or within a few hours. | Longer, often requiring multiple appointments. |
| Material | Usually composite resin or simple ceramic. | Porcelain, PFM, zirconia, metal alloys. |
| Durability | Less durable than permanent crowns. | More durable, designed for long-term use. |
| Application | Temporary needs or immediate aesthetics/protection. | Permanent restoration and long-term function. |
| Cost | Less than permanent crowns. | Higher cost. |
Crown for a Root Canal Treated Tooth
After root canal treatment and extensive filling, the remaining tooth structure may not be sufficient to support the filling and withstand forces. In such situations, your dentist will recommend crowning the tooth. This is why a crown after root canal protects your tooth from fractures and the costs of dislodged fillings.
Crown for Front Teeth
Crowning a front tooth, in addition to its therapeutic aspect, significantly impacts facial aesthetics during speaking, eating, and smiling. Therefore, a crown on a front tooth is of high importance—often using all-ceramic crown or zirconia crown for superior translucency.
One-Piece Crown (Snap-On Smile)
A one-piece crown is a type of temporary and immediate crown used when multiple teeth are treated simultaneously, until permanent crowns, composites, or laminates are ready. Many people know the one-piece crown by the brand name Snap-On Smile.
Steps for Getting a Dental Crown
The process of getting a crown (after tooth restoration and root canal treatment, if needed) will involve 3 stages:
- Tooth Preparation for Crown and Impression Taking: Depending on tooth and material, the dentist prepares (trims) your tooth. After preparation, an impression or digital scan is taken and sent to the lab for fabrication.
- Crown Try-in: At Dr. Bonyanian’s dental clinic, we try in the crown before final cementation. If everything is satisfactory, it is sent back to the lab for glazing (final finishing). This step ensures fit and shade accuracy.
- Delivery and Cementation of the Crown: The final stage is delivery and cementation. Depending on the plan, temporary cement may be used first, then permanent cement after re-checking comfort and bite.
Same-Day Crown vs. Lab-Made Crown
Same-day crown systems (chairside CAD/CAM) can scan, design and mill a ceramic crown in one visit—useful for selected indications. Lab-made crowns may provide broader material choices, layered aesthetics, and technician artistry. We choose based on location, bite, esthetics, and timing.
Advantages of Dental Crowns
- Prevention of Bone Resorption: For implant-supported crowns, functional loading helps preserve jawbone.
- Natural Aesthetics: White, translucent, toothlike appearance (especially ceramics).
- High Durability: Long service life with proper care.
- Restoration of Dental Problems: Covers discolored, cracked or heavily restored teeth; can improve appearance of mild misalignment (when orthodontics is not feasible).
- Tooth Restoration: Protects weakened structures.
- Immediate Results: Temporary crown allows quick protection and appearance.
- Diastema Treatment: Closing small gaps when indicated.
Disadvantages of Dental Crowns
- Requires tooth preparation (controlled reduction of enamel/dentin).
- Risk of chipping/fracture with heavy forces or parafunction.
- Possible post-operative sensitivity (often transient).
- Gumline metal shadow possible with PFM crown.
- Potential for debonding or crown fell off if cement seal fails.
Common Failure Modes & How We Minimize Them
- Recurrent caries at margins: meticulous isolation, margin design, and routine hygiene/fluoride advice.
- Open margin or microleakage: precise impression/scan and try-in checks.
- Porcelain chipping: proper material choice; occlusal adjustments; night guard for bruxism.
- Cement washout/debonding: correct cement selection and surface treatment; periodic checks.
- Hypersensitivity: desensitizing measures and bite equilibration.
Lifespan of a Dental Crown
Dental crown lifespan typically ranges 5–15 years or more, depending on material, bite forces, hygiene, and habits. Habits impacting longevity include:
- Grinding or clenching your teeth (bruxism).
- Chewing ice and very hard foods.
- Nail biting.
- Using teeth to open packages.
Material Comparison at a Glance
| Crown Type | Aesthetics | Strength | Best Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zirconia | High (multilayer: better) | Very high | Molars, also anteriors (esth. zirconia) | Good for bruxers (with guard) |
| Glass-ceramic (e.g., E.max) | Excellent (very natural) | High (less than zirconia) | Front teeth, premolars | Great translucency |
| PFM | Good | High | Versatile; posterior | Possible gumline grayness |
| Full metal | Low | Very high | Molars, high-load | Maximum durability |
| Stainless steel (pediatric) | Low | High for primary teeth | Primary molars | Fast & economical |
Which is the Best Crown for You?
Strength and aesthetics are two main factors when choosing the best dental crown. For front teeth, ceramic/porcelain and zirconia crowns are often ideal for a natural look. For molars under high load, metal or high-strength zirconia may be preferable. Your dentist will tailor the choice to your bite, enamel thickness, smile line, habits and expectations.
- Composite or ceramic for visible areas (aesthetics)
- Metal/zirconia for heavy-load posterior teeth (strength)
Do All Teeth That Undergo Root Canal Treatment Need a Crown?
One common misconception is that every root canal tooth must have a crown. This notion is incorrect. Root canal alone is not a reason to require a crown. Where a sound tooth structure remains and a strong build-up is feasible, a full crown may not be necessary. Decision depends on remaining walls, ferrule effect, occlusion and crack risk.
Is a Dental Crown Painful?
In very rare cases, individuals might experience pain or sensitivity after getting a crown—typically temporary. Many crowned teeth have no nerve (post-RCT), so discomfort during placement is minimal. If the crown is high in bite, it may cause soreness; a quick adjustment resolves this. Persistent pain warrants an exam to rule out bite issues or underlying problems.
What Causes a Dental Crown to Break?
- Laboratory factors: not following technical specs (thickness, fit, firing) can predispose to chipping.
- Patient factors: ignoring aftercare, bruxism without a guard, chewing hard objects.
Post-Crown Care (Dental Crown Aftercare)
- Brush regularly, at least twice a day; floss and use mouthwash as advised.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Avoid nuts and very hard foods that might break the crown.
- Brush after tea/coffee and pigmented foods to maintain shade.
- Avoid extreme temperature shocks.
- If your crown fell off or you have dental crown sensitivity/dental crown pain, contact your dentist promptly.
Emergency Tips if a Crown Falls Off
- Keep the crown; do not attempt to glue it with household adhesives.
- Clean the area gently; avoid chewing on that side.
- Call us for a same-day assessment. Temporary recementation may be possible until a definitive fix.
Replacing a Dental Crown
Although dental crowns are not designed to be permanent, their structure, along with your care, allows them to last many years. While average lifespan is 5–15 years, well-made crowns with proper care can last up to 20–25 years.
Replacement is necessary when:
- Discoloration and porcelain chipping affect aesthetics
- Gum swelling/pain or recurrent decay around margins appears
- Wear, crack, or loosening develops
- Gum recession exposes margins
Dental crown replacement involves removing the old crown, addressing underlying issues, and placing a new crown with optimized fit/material.
Treatment of Infection in a Crowned Tooth
Treatment depends on abscess location, spread likelihood, and your immune response. Options include:
- Root canal treatment/retreatment
- Apicoectomy (root tip surgery)
- Antibiotic prescription (when indicated)
- Drainage
- Crown replacement (if leakage/margins are causative)
- Extraction in severe, non-restorable cases
Patient Journey & Timeline
- Consultation & X-ray/scan: evaluate tooth structure, bite, and material options.
- Prep & temporary crown: same visit; color selection; instructions provided.
- Try-in (if planned): verify fit, contacts, and shade; lab glazing.
- Delivery: permanent cementation, bite check, hygiene advice.
- Follow-up: short review to confirm comfort and tissue health.
Cost Factors (No Prices)
- Material choice: zirconia, glass-ceramic, PFM, metal
- Tooth position (anterior vs molar) and prep complexity
- Need for build-up/post or gum procedures
- Lab type (standard vs premium aesthetic work)
- Same-day CAD/CAM vs lab-made workflow
Myths & Facts
- Myth: Every RCT tooth must be crowned. Fact: Case-dependent; structure/ferrule decide.
- Myth: Ceramic crowns always chip easily. Fact: Proper material choice and occlusion make them durable.
- Myth: Sensitivity means failure. Fact: Short-term sensitivity is common and usually resolves.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long do dental crowns last?
Typically 5–15+ years depending on material, bite, hygiene, and habits.
Which crown looks the most natural?
Glass-ceramic and aesthetic zirconia systems often provide the most lifelike translucency for front teeth.
Is a night guard necessary?
Recommended for bruxism to protect both crown and opposing teeth.
Can I whiten a crown later?
Crowns do not bleach; shade is set at fabrication. Whitening is done before color-matching a new crown.
Can a crown be repaired?
Minor porcelain chips can sometimes be polished or patched; major damage may require remake.
What is crown cementation?
It’s the process of bonding a crown to the tooth with temporary or permanent cements after try-in.
Final Summary
We aim to collaborate with top dentists and laboratories, using evidence-based protocols and high-quality materials. For evaluation of dental crowns—from zirconia crown to PFM crown or temporary vs permanent crown—our team can outline pros/cons, expected dental crown lifespan, and a step-by-step plan tailored to your smile.
Visit or Contact Our Dental Clinic in Tehran
Address: Unit 7, No. 22, West 6th Street, Ahmad Qasir (Bokharest) Street, Arjantin Square, Tehran
Phone: +98 21 8853 9720 •
WhatsApp: +98 912 514 2202
Hours: Sat–Wed 09:00–20:00 • Thu 09:00–14:00
About the Author
I am Dr. Nazanin (Nazi) Bonianian, Dental Surgeon (DDS, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, 2010; Medical Council No. 138662).
With 15+ years focused on restorative/cosmetic dentistry, crowns, laminates and implants, I aim to provide precise, modern care. Initial consultations are offered free of charge by appointment.
Dr. Nazi Bonyanian
Dental Surgeon (DDS) — Medical Council Number: 138662
Graduate of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences with over 15 years of experience in implants, laminates, and oral and dental surgery.
Address: No. 22, Unit 7, West Alley 6, Bokharest Street, Argentina Sq., Tehran, Iran
Phone: +98-21-88539720 | WhatsApp: +98-912-514-2202
Email: info@drbonyanian.com
Working Hours: Sat–Wed 09:00–20:00 | Thu 09:00–14:00 | Friday Closed
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