Crowns offer a very aesthetic way to cover up unsightly teeth and protect them from further damage. They fit completely over a whole tooth, concealing defects caused by chips, decay, discolouration, or large fillings.
Crowns are commonly used to repair damage that has affected the structure and functionality of a tooth. As they replace the whole outside structure of the tooth, they are a full rebuild for teeth that need an overall restoration. For teeth that have had multiple fillings, extensive decay, and general damage, a crown is the way forward. If your tooth is broken down or heavily filled, a crown can protect it from high biting forces and further damage.
In some cases, we may use a crown to restore a tooth following a root canal treatment for an aesthetic and reliable finish.
Dental crowns are made from a variety of materials, including metal, porcelain, resin, or ceramic. They are matched in size, shape, and colour to sit comfortably alongside existing teeth. Crowns can be used to support a dental bridge or fixed to a dental implant for a highly aesthetic finish.
We provide gold crowns, porcelain bonded to gold crowns and the latest in the metal free alternatives that give truly lifelike results. The latest advances in porcelain allow light to transmit through the crown, thereby creating a restoration that is undetectable from the other natural teeth in your smile. With the absence of any metal core on the inside of the crown, there will be no more telltale grey lines that are usually seen with the older metal ceramic crowns. If a crown is required we will discuss all suitable options with you and you can decide how you wish to proceed.
We first ensure that the internal structure of the tooth is intact and that there are no signs of infection present. We prepare your tooth by removing a layer of tooth structure, making sure we leave a strong core.
We take a digital scan of your teeth and record their colour so your crown can be made to fit perfectly. Between appointments, we protect the prepared tooth with a temporary crown.
When your crown is ready, the temporary crown is removed and the new permanent one is fixed in place with a strong dental cement.
The best way to care for your crown is to stay on top of your oral hygiene – this means keeping your teeth and gums healthy by brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and flossing between your teeth. You also need to see your dentist regularly for check-ups so they can keep an eye on your crown and the tooth underneath.
As long as your crown is looked after carefully, by avoiding very hard foods and thoroughly cleaning your teeth, it can provide a natural-looking restoration that can last for years. Most crowns last for up to 10-15 years before natural wear and tear will likely cause the need for removal and replacement. It is also important that you visit your dentist for regular check-ups so they can keep an eye on your crown and wider oral health.
You are able to choose the colour of your crown, based on your personal preferences. We may advise you of the shade which would best match your natural tooth colour, but it is ultimately up to you. If you are considering having a whitening treatment, you may prefer to have this treatment first, as whitening is not effective on crowns and your crown can then be made to match your new shade.
Tooth crowns are not permanent, and will need replacing or repairing at some point. The treatment process is irreversible as some of your natural dental enamel is removed in order to accommodate the crown on top, so you will always need a crown on your tooth.
We use local anaesthetic to numb the affected area before preparing your tooth for a crown and fitting the crown itself to make sure you won’t feel any pain. We take the time to ensure you feel relaxed and comfortable before beginning any treatment. Many patients find that having a crown is no more uncomfortable than a filling.
Whether you’re a new or existing patient, our warm and friendly team would love to hear from you, answer questions & give advice.
