At some point in your smile life, you may need a crown to cover a tooth to help restore it to its normal shape and size. A crown can make your tooth stronger and improve its appearance by using different materials. Crowns decrease physical discomfort in teeth, look completely natural, and offer extra support to those that are weak or damaged.A crown can help strengthen a tooth with a large filling when there isn’t enough tooth remaining to hold the filling. Crowns can also be used to attach bridges, protect a weak tooth from breaking or restore one that’s already broken. A crown is a good way to cover teeth that are discolored or badly shaped. It’s also used to cover a dental implant. There are many types of crowns, including ceramic porcelain, gold and porcelain-fused-to-metal. Porcelain fused to metal crowns, also known as caps, slide over teeth to hide misshapen, misalignment, cracks, discoloration, or other imperfections. Gold crowns are particularly suited to cases where patients have a tight bite or clench, because gold will more readily endure these conditions. Cosmetic crowns offer all of the protection of a crown, with the added benefit of a more natural presentation. Ceramic crowns offer a high-strength, all-ceramic, metal-free restoration. The new technology with an extraordinarily translucent zirconia framework, with custom colored porcelain overlay provides a highly aesthetic restoration. Dr. Schumm will recommend a specific type for your situation, and will discuss the benefits and differences of each so you can choose the best option.