The question of whether a dental crown is an orthodontic procedure arises from the frequent overlap in complex treatment plans. Dental crowns are fixed prosthetic devices used to restore a damaged tooth, while orthodontics focuses on repositioning teeth. The two procedures serve entirely different biological and mechanical purposes. Understanding the core function of each discipline clarifies why a crown is not an orthodontic treatment, even though they often work together to achieve a healthy smile.
Defining Dental Specialties
Orthodontics is a recognized dental specialty concentrating on the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of misaligned teeth and jaws, a condition known as malocclusion. An orthodontist’s work involves applying controlled, continuous mechanical forces to gradually move teeth through the bone to a more functional position. The primary goal of this field is to improve bite alignment and overall oral function.
Restorative dentistry, which includes prosthodontics, focuses on repairing or replacing damaged or missing tooth structure. This discipline restores the morphology and function of teeth compromised by decay, trauma, or wear. Procedures in this category aim to rebuild the strength and integrity of individual teeth. Crowns fall squarely into this restorative category because their function is to re-establish structural integrity, not to move the tooth.
The Primary Purpose of a Dental Crown
A dental crown is a custom-made, tooth-shaped cap permanently cemented over the entire visible portion of a prepared tooth. Its function is purely structural, acting as a fixed prosthetic to restore the tooth’s strength, size, and shape. The crown completely encases the compromised tooth, shielding it from the intense forces of chewing.
Crowns are recommended when a tooth has suffered significant loss of structure due to fracture, severe decay, or extensive wear. For instance, a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy often requires a crown because the internal structure has been weakened. The restoration provides necessary reinforcement to prevent the remaining tooth from cracking under stress. The procedure involves minimal alteration to the tooth’s position and does not utilize the sustained force mechanisms characteristic of tooth movement.
When Restorative and Orthodontic Treatment Intersect
The confusion arises because crowns and orthodontic treatments frequently occur as sequential steps within a comprehensive dental plan. While a crown itself does not move teeth, it may be placed on a tooth that is about to be, or has already been, moved orthodontically. This collaboration ensures both structural health and proper alignment are achieved.
In some cases, a severely damaged tooth might receive a temporary restorative buildup before braces are placed to ensure it can withstand the forces of movement. Crowns are often placed after orthodontic treatment is complete to correct size or shape discrepancies. Alignment can straighten teeth, but it cannot fix a tooth that is naturally too small or misshapen, requiring a crown or veneer to achieve final aesthetic harmony.
Orthodontic brackets can be bonded to a crown using specialized adhesives, meaning a patient with existing crowns can still undergo tooth movement. The crown’s underlying tooth root is what moves, not the crown itself. The restorative procedure protects and rebuilds the tooth, allowing subsequent orthodontic treatment to proceed effectively toward the goal of proper bite function.