Crowns

A crown can be used to restore your teeth for aesthetic and functional reasons. They can replace damaged and decayed teeth or misshapen teeth.

A crown completely covers a weakened tooth above the gum line and protects it. Crowns are usually made of metal or porcelain, or a combination of these materials. The metal provides strength, whilst the porcelain can give a very pleasing appearance which is very important at the front of the mouth.

The remaining parts of the tooth to be crowned are shaped by the dentist under local anaesthetic. This ensures that the appearance will be satisfactory and that the dental technician is able to construct the crown so that it will bite correctly with the opposing teeth. When the preparation is complete an accurate impression is taken and used to make the crown.

The dentist will make a temporary crown which must be worn for approximately one week whilst the permanent crown is under construction at the laboratory.

Some crowns need a metal post to support them in cases where the tooth is very severely damaged. This type of crown is known as a Post-crown.

The completed crown is tried in and the dentist may adjust it at this stage to ensure that the teeth bite together in the correct manner. If the appearance is also satisfactory, the crown is then secured in place with a special cement.

1. Discoloured, unsightly teeth	2. Prepared for crowns
3. The completed crowns

Crowns are a very common form of treatment. They are strong and can be made to look and feel very much like natural teeth. In a well cared for mouth they will last many years.