Full Crown and Single Crown

Full crown and single crown

Here are two common crown restorations in dental restoration.

The main differences are the scope of restoration, applicable conditions and functional design.

1.Scope of restoration

Full crown

Covering the entire crown: covering the entire visible part of the tooth (including all tooth surfaces) until the gingival edge.

Need to grind a lot of teeth: need to evenly grind 1~2mm of the outer layer of the tooth to reserve space for the restoration.

Applicable to: teeth with severe defects, after root canal treatment, after large-area filling or need full protection.

Single crown

Repair only part of the crown: usually covers part of the tooth (such as the occlusal surface or defective part), not the whole tooth.

Minor grinding: only remove the lesions or weak parts, retain more healthy tooth body. Applicable to: vital teeth with local defects, cracks or moderate caries.

2.Structure and function

Full crown

High strength: provides 360° protection, suitable for withstanding large bite forces (such as posterior teeth or abutment teeth).

Various materials: metal (such as cobalt-chromium alloy), all-ceramic (such as zirconium oxide), metal porcelain, etc.

Single crown

Minimally invasive design: retain more natural tooth, but the strength is relatively low, suitable for anterior teeth or small-scale restoration.

Common materials: all-ceramic (beautiful) or resin (temporary restoration).

3.Clinical application scenarios

Full crown

Teeth after root canal treatment (anti-crack)

Severe wear, large-area caries or failure of old fillings.

As abutment teeth for fixed bridges or upper structures of implants.

Single crown

Local tooth defects (such as partial fractures).

Conservative restoration of vital teeth (avoid over-preparation of full crowns).

Aesthetic restoration of anterior teeth (veneers or partial crowns).

Selection suggestions

Full crown: When the tooth is severely damaged, needs full protection or is used as a restoration abutment.

Single crown: When the defect is limited and it is hoped that the natural tooth or the anterior tooth aesthetic restoration can be retained to the maximum extent.