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. Crowns are made from a variety of materials including gold and silver metal, porcelain or resin.
What are the benefits of having a crown?
- Enhances the appearance of a tooth
- Can protect and strengthen the tooth
- Fixed in place
- Confidence boosting
What does the treatment involve?
- So the crown can be accommodated, we remove a layer of the 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.
- 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 is fixed in place with a strong dental cement.
Looking after your crowns
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 a day and interdental cleaning. 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 plaque.