Dental Crowns

What are dental crowns?

Dental crowns are porcelain jackets that cover existing teeth. Tooth crowns take the shape of your natural tooth and can be virtually undetectable from surrounding teeth. Once in place, the dental crown covers the entirety of the visible section of your tooth.

Why are dental crowns needed?

Tooth caps are used in instances where a tooth is cracked, decayed, broken down, discoloured or root canal treated. They are also used following dental implant surgery and can be used cosmetically to improve the shape and colour of your teeth where veneers would not suffice. Not only this, but dental crowns can be used to strengthen teeth and to hold them securely in place. They do this by holding together parts of a cracked tooth or preventing weak teeth from breaking in the first place. Crowns can also restore a tooth that has already broken or been severely worn down. Teeth with large fillings can be covered and supported by crowns. Crowns can also be used to hold dental bridges in place, to cover any misshapen teeth, to cover discolouration, to cover dental implants, or to make any desired cosmetic change.

How are crowns fitted?

Dental crowns are typically inserted over two appointments two weeks apart. On your first visit, the affected tooth is prepared and an acrylic temporary is inserted. Our laboratories begin to prepare your crown following this appointment, a process that takes 1-2 weeks. Crowns can be made of ceramic, gold or zirconium. At your second appointment, the crown is inserted and your treatment is complete.

What different types of crown are there?

Permanent crowns can be made from a variety of different materials:

Stainless steel – These are prefabricated crowns used as a temporary measure for permanent teeth. These protect the tooth or the filling in question while a more permanent crown is fashioned from another material. In general, stainless steel crowns are used on children’s teeth.

Metals – These include alloy crowns that have a high gold or platinum content or base-metal alloys. These are ideal for standing up to heavy biting and chewing force. They also often last the longest out of any type of crown. They rarely chip. They are usually used in out-of-sight teeth as many people do not want to draw attention with flashy crowns.

Porcelain-fused – This is when a porcelain crown is fused to metal and they provide the most natural tooth look. These are often used in front or back teeth and long bridges as the metal can be used to strengthen.

All-resin – A cheaper alternative than are more prone to wear and tear.

All-ceramic/All-porcelain – A natural colour match and can be used for front and back teeth.

Tooth crown costs vary from patient to patient. If you need a dental crown, you’ll be in good hands at Stanley Street Dental. Book your appointment today.