Dental Crowns

Crowns are often used to protect and strengthen cracked, broken, heavily filled or root canal treated teeth. They are shaped and coloured to look like your natural teeth.

Crowns can also be used to correct a cosmetic problem such as crooked teeth.

Crowns can be made using a number of different materials such as gold or tooth coloured  porcelain which is matched to the colour of your surrounding teeth. If you have thought about brightening the colour of your teeth, now is the time to discuss this with your dentist, before your crown is made. Your dentist will discuss the most suitable crown to reconstruct your tooth.

The preparation and placement of your crown requires two visits.

The first visit is for one hour. Your tooth will be internally strengthened and shaped in readiness for the crown. An impression or “mould” is taken and sent to our laboratory, who will take approximately two weeks to make your crown.

We will place a temporary crown over your tooth to protect it until your new crown is ready to be permanently placed at the second visit.

The second visit is for half an hour. Your dentist will assess the crown for fit and colour match before permanently cementing it. You may require a short adjustment visit a few  days later if your crown feels too high when you bite down.

Crowns, just like your natural teeth, should be brushed and flossed daily. You may chew normally on your new crown, but “reasonable” care is advised. Chewing ice and large, hard nuts is not recommended.

We recommend a preventative care visit every six months to ensure your optimum oral health is maintained.