What is Dental Crowns?

A crown covers a prepared tooth to restore its shape and function. Magic Pearls offers Zirconia, PFM and Lithium Disilicate (E-max) crowns. Crowns may be considered for a tooth that needs more support than a smaller restoration can provide. Material choice depends on the tooth, bite and treatment plan.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Damini Pranav Mali (BDS, Reg. A-52098), November 2026.

Who it may be for

Crowns may be considered for a tooth that needs more support than a smaller restoration can provide. Material choice depends on the tooth, bite and treatment plan. A consultation decides.

How suitability is assessed

An examination checks how much sound tooth remains, whether there is decay or a crack, and the health of the root and gums. Your bite and any grinding habits help guide material choice. X-rays may be useful where findings need clarification.

Three crown materials

Zirconia crowns

Zirconia crowns can be monolithic or multi-layered CAD/CAM restorations. CAD/CAM means computer-aided design and manufacturing.

PFM crowns

Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns combine a metal substructure with a porcelain outer surface.

Lithium disilicate (E-max) crowns

Lithium disilicate is a ceramic restoration material. The tooth position, bite and remaining structure inform whether it is appropriate.

What happens at the clinic

  1. Assessment

    The tooth and bite are assessed before discussing whether a crown is appropriate.

  2. Preparation and records

    The tooth is shaped to make space for the crown, and an impression or digital record captures the prepared tooth and bite. Ask whether protection with a temporary restoration will be needed while the final crown is made.

  3. Fit and review

    The crown is checked for its fit, contacts with neighbouring teeth, appearance and bite before attachment. Later review checks symptoms and the health of the supporting tooth.

Options and limitations

A smaller repair, such as an inlay or onlay, may be possible when enough tooth remains. A crown requires space, so preparation removes tooth tissue and is generally irreversible. Crowns can chip, loosen or need replacement; covering a tooth does not stop decay at its edges.

Care and follow-up

Clean the crown and the gum edge, including between teeth, using the method demonstrated by your dentist. Report a loose crown, persistent sensitivity or a bite that feels uneven. Reviews assess both the restoration and the tooth beneath it.

Questions you may have

Which crown material should I choose?

The position of the tooth, the bite and the remaining tooth structure inform that choice. The clinic team can explain the options after assessment.

Is a crown the same as an implant?

A crown is the visible restoration. An implant is a replacement support placed in the jaw; an implant restoration can also include a crown.

Can several teeth be restored together?

A plan can consider more than one tooth. The clinic first assesses the teeth and bite rather than choosing a material in isolation.

Can a crowned tooth still develop decay?

Yes. The crown material cannot decay, but the supporting tooth can develop decay around its edges. Cleaning and regular checks still matter.