Dental crowns are very similar to veneers in that they can be used to transform the appearance of an unaesthetic smile into a beautiful, natural smile that you can be proud of.
In addition, crowns are extremely durable and they are usually used when there is a lot of the original tooth missing: this may be due to severely worn or broken down teeth where function needs to be improved in addition to the aesthetic appearance.
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped ‘cap’ that is precision bonded over the damaged tooth to protect it. We use the procedure to help restore fractured, very heavily filled, or damaged teeth whilst ensuring the crown matches the rest of your smile. A dental bridge can also be made to restore your smile and is used to replace one or more missing teeth.
Benefits of crowns:
- They are extremely durable and long-lasting
- They are made to look natural and to blend in with your surrounding teeth
- They can replace missing teeth (a ‘bridge’ can be 3 or more linked crowns used to restore unsightly gaps)
Grinding your teeth, an improper bite, the ageing process, fillings and tooth decay can all be contributing factors in the wearing down, cracking or breakage of your teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Dental Crown?
A crown is made to look as real as your own natural tooth and covers the entire visible surface of your tooth. Crowns are attached permanently to the tooth to enhance aesthetics, add strength, durability and tooth stability.
Crowns can be made of a variety of different materials, these include ceramics, porcelain, gold or a combination of metals which have been fused to a porcelain shell. We most commonly use porcelain crowns for our smile makeover procedures, which are made entirely of porcelain. Indistinguishable from natural teeth, they give you a beautiful natural look.
When would I need a Dental Crown?
- Worn teeth
- Cracked or broken teeth
- Grind your teeth
- Tooth decay
- Large Fillings
- Had root canal treatment*
- Discoloured fillings or teeth
- Replace old crowns
- To hold a denture in place
- To cover an implant
What is the procedure?
We will help you feel comfortable and relaxed before, during and after the procedure.
The procedure takes two appointments and feels no different than having a filling.
At the first appointment, we minimally prepare your tooth to the ideal shape for the crown. An impression or mould is taken of the prepared tooth together with the shade of the tooth and sent to our highly skilled laboratory technician to be made. You will wear a temporary crown whilst your permanent crown is being made.
About two weeks later at your second appointment, we numb the area again and remove the temporary crown. We place your new crown with special dental cement and check the fit and how you bite, to ensure a perfect fit.
What are the benefits to treatment?
Crowns can transform your smile, disguising unsightly looking front teeth or teeth that are chipped and broken. All porcelain crowns look completely natural and blend in well with your natural teeth.
Crowns also protect teeth against further decay or erosion and help you speak, bite, chew and eat comfortably.
How will I feel after treatment?
You may be aware of your new crown for the first few days. This is completely normal and you will get used to it after a few days.
How long will a dental crown last?
On average your crown will last 10 to 15 years. However, it does depend on you and how well you look after your crown, your other teeth and your gums. Regular dental check ups and visits with our hygienist will help.
How much will my crown cost?
We understand that price is an important consideration factor. Like any dental treatment, the cost of a crown is dependant on the type of crown, the type and quality of material used and the skill of the dental laboratory. Generally, the better the quality of material used the more expensive the crown will be.
When you come to see us for your first consultation, we will determine the most appropriate treatment for you and provide you with a treatment plan and cost.
Your crown is guaranteed for one year.
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