If unsightly teeth are spoiling your smile, crowns can offer a neat, natural-coloured cover up. Sometimes known as ‘caps’, they fit completely over a whole tooth, concealing defects caused by chips, decay, discolouration or large fillings. Made from a variety of materials, such as porcelain, resin or ceramic, they can also be used on a dental implant.

Benefits

  • Enhances the appearance of a tooth
  • Can protect and strengthen the tooth
  • Natural-looking
  • Fixed in place
  • Durable
  • Confidence boosting

Treatment steps

  • So the crown can be accommodated, we remove a layer tooth structure, but make sure we leave a strong core. The amount of tooth removed depends on the thickness of the crown, which can differ depending on the material used to make it.
  • Wherever possible we will use our CEREC machine to image, design and make crowns and fit them on the same day. Otherwise see below.
  • We then take impressions of your teeth and record their colour so the 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 fixed in place with a strong dental cement.

Aftercare

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 toothpaste twice 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.

A crown protects a tooth from decay, but not where it meets the gum, and it does not guard against gum disease, so it’s important to keep the area clean and free from bacteria.