Crowns

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, including metal, porcelain, resin or ceramic, they can also be used to support a dental bridge or affixed to a dental implant.

What’s involved in having a crown fitting?

• So the crown can be accommodated, we remove a layer of the tooth, 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.
• 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 fluoride toothpaste twice a day and flossing between your teeth. You also need to see your hygienist and 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.