If you have had a root canal, your dentist might suggest that you get a crown over your tooth, in order to restore your smile and to protect your tooth. There are different kinds of crowns out there, and your dentist will tell you which one will work best for you and your needs. There are a lot of factors that will go into what kind of crown you get. That can include things like where the tooth is in your mouth, what your insurance will cover, and what your personal desires are. So, what are some of the kinds of dental crowns you have to choose from?

Onlays and 3/4 Crowns

The traditional full crown covers your entire tooth, and your tooth is shaped so that there is room for the crown to fit over it. Full crowns are more likely to be used when the tooth doesn't have a lot of structure to it. On the other hand, onlays and 3/4 crowns only cover part of the tooth. Instead of getting rid of a majority of the tooth, the only part that gets removed is the part that has been affected by cavities. Then, your dentist will apply the partial crown, after properly shaping your tooth so that the crown will be able to fit into your mouth and sit properly with the rest of your teeth. 

Zirconia Crowns

These are fairly new in the dental market. These crowns are made out of zirconia. Zirconia can be many colors, but when it comes to dental uses, it can be dyed so that it matches the teeth. Your dentist will have a stock of material in different colors so that the crown can match your other teeth as much as possible. This material has several benefits when it comes to dental crowns. One is aesthetics. Being able to color match with the rest of your teeth means that it's harder for other people to tell you have a crown. Another is that it as strong as metal crowns would be, but it doesn't present a problem with metal allergies. Traditional crowns are made of metal and can trigger metal allergies in those that are sensitive. Zirconia crowns do not have this problem.

If you need to get a crown, then you need to talk to your dentist about what your choices are. You want to make sure that you are getting the right kind of crown for you and your unique needs.