What characteristic is true for preformed polycarbonate crowns?

Preformed polycarbonate crowns are specifically designed to be adjustable and available in various sizes and shades, which makes them a flexible choice for dental professionals. The adjustability allows dental assistants and dentists to trim and reshape the crowns so that they fit well on the prepared tooth, while the availability of different sizes ensures that they can accommodate the anatomical differences among patients. Having multiple shades also enables better aesthetic integration with the natural dentition, which is particularly important for anterior (front) teeth, although they are often used in the posterior area of the mouth as well.

In contrast, while polycarbonate crowns can provide decent aesthetics, they may not necessarily offer the best natural appearance compared to other crown materials designed specifically for that purpose. Additionally, these crowns are commonly used for primary teeth or as a temporary solution, rather than exclusively for permanent restorations. Furthermore, their fitting process is typically straightforward, so significant time is not required for adjustments or fitting unlike what might be implied in another option. This characteristic of being easily adjustable makes polycarbonate crowns a practical tool in dentistry, particularly in pediatric practices.