A crown can be used to restore tooth that has been heavily restored or is badly broken. Sometimes known as a ‘cap’, a crown fits completely over the whole of a tooth, concealing defects caused by chips, decay, discolouration or large fillings.
Made from a variety of materials, including metal, porcelain, resin or ceramic, crowns can also be used to support a dental bridge or affixed to a dental implant.
The provision of a crown not only restores teeth but can also help to strengthen and protect the tooth and in some cases can be used to improve its appearance.
Benefits
- Can protect and strengthen the tooth
- Natural-looking
- Fixed in place
- Durable
- Enhances the appearance of a tooth
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.
- We then take impressions of your teeth and record their colour so the crown can be made to fit perfectly and match the colour of your other teeth as best as possible.
- 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 a fluoride 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.
