Dental crowns have been used in dentistry for over 2000 years. There is evidence that the Etruscans experimented with crowns on teeth using ivory and bone as early as 700 B.C. By 200 A.D., they began using gold crowns to construct artificial teeth. Ancient Egyptians fashioned tooth replacements out of seashells and then hammered them into their gums (Oral sedation, anyone?).
Porcelain crowns were first used in the 1800s. With the refining of metal casting methods in the 1900s, crown dentistry advanced significantly.
Today, crowns are strong, comfortable and are made to match your surrounding teeth.
Dental crowns (also called caps) cover the entire visible portion of the tooth and are cemented in place. Crowns are used to strengthen teeth that have been worn down or weakened by decay or injury. Crowns are also used to restore the original shape of a tooth or solely to improve the appearance of a tooth.
The most common types of crowns are:
- All-porcelain (ceramic)
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal
- Gold
The material used is determined by several factors. If you suspect you need a crown, want to replace an old crown, or want to learn about other cosmetic dentistry procedures, call Dentist Dr. Michael Wong. The San Mateo Center for Cosmetic Dentistry is located at 256 N. San Mateo Drive, Suite 8, San Mateo, CA 94401. We can recommend the best tooth restoration or cosmetic dentistry option for you.