Crowning Achievements: The Evolution of Dental Crowns

Although sometimes minor cavities can be repaired safely and effectively with dental fillings, in some cases, a larger and more comprehensive restoration is required. Thankfully, in those situations, a dental crown can often help. These durable, natural-looking prosthetics can be made right in your dentist’s office while you wait. Not only do they look and feel just like real teeth, but dental crowns can even be used to enjoy a full diet! But where did they come from? The evolution of the very first restorations into the beautiful, lifelike prosthetics your dentist mills in his office today is pretty fascinating. Here’s a closer look at the lore!

The Beginning

Although nobody knows the exact date, it is believed that the first dental crowns originated as early as 200 AD when the Etruscans fashioned primitive crowns from ivory, gold, bone, and even human teeth. Amazingly, these materials were all still used for restorations until about the 19^th century, when dentists switched to ceramic and porcelain because they were more realistic looking, easier to procure, and much more affordable.

The 20th Century

By 1905, dentists were looking for ways to improve upon the outdated dental crowns that had been used for centuries. That year, Charles H. Land registered a patent for a prosthetic called a “jacket crown,” which covered the tooth like a coat. Although it worked much better than previous iterations, it was unfortunately prone to damage.

By the end of the 1900s, dentists were using porcelain fused to metal (PFM) crowns, which both looked and felt realistic and were much stronger than their predecessors. In 1984, the first crown made of glass and ceramics was introduced, and in 1985, CEREC technology was developed at the University of Zurich by Dr. Werner Mörmann and electrical engineer Marco Brandestin, with software to make crowns from it debuting in 1994.

Dental Crowns Today

Today, dental crowns may look and feel a lot different from the ones first invented by the Etruscans, but they still are designed to have the same benefits: restoring damaged enamel and protecting the underlying tooth from further damage and decay. If you are suffering from an infected, decayed or cracked tooth, CEREC dental crowns are a safe, effective, and natural looking way to protect your smile from damage and restore the appearance and function of your gorgeous grin, and they can even be ready the very same day!

To learn more about the many benefits of CEREC crowns and see how they can help repair your damaged tooth, schedule a consultation with your dentist today!

About Dr. Adam

Dr. LJ Adam earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Pittsburgh in 2000 and his DMD at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine in 2004. Since graduating, he has taken extensive courses in CEREC technology and is pleased to offer a variety of same-day treatments using CEREC restorations like inlays, onlays, crowns, and veneers. To schedule an appointment for dental crowns, visit our website or call 724-297-3446.