Dental Crowns in Frenchs Forest
Protect your teeth from cracks, breaks, and decay with dental crowns.
Dental Crowns in Frenchs Forest
Protect your teeth from cracks, breaks, and decay with dental crowns.
If you badly chip a tooth or it has a substantial cavity, we may recommend crowning it. Crowns (also known as dental caps) are used to repair and restore teeth badly damaged by decay or trauma, completely covering up the remaining tooth structure above the gums and protecting it against further harm.
In dentistry, crowns are a common restorative procedure designed to improve both function and appearance. Crowns can also be placed on a dental implant to restore missing teeth. Your new crown can be made from a choice of high quality materials including precious metal alloys and natural looking porcelains.
Dental technicians use their expertise to craft crowns from these various materials. Some porcelain crowns have a metal substructure, but the very latest all-ceramic crowns are entirely metal-free, and provide highly aesthetic results. By restoring damaged teeth, crowns contribute to improved oral health.
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers and protects a damaged or weakened tooth, restoring its function and appearance. Designed to fit snugly over the entire tooth like a protective shell, a dental crown replaces the natural crown of the tooth, ensuring durability and strength.
Typically crafted from porcelain, a strong material that closely matches your natural tooth colour, crowns are meticulously shaped to replicate the look and fit of your original tooth. For those seeking added durability, gold crowns are also an option. While they lack the natural tooth-like appearance of porcelain, gold crowns are exceptionally strong, making them ideal for back teeth that endure the most chewing force but remain hidden when you smile.
To prepare for a crown, your dentist carefully removes a thin layer of the tooth’s surface, creating enough space to ensure a precise and secure fit. The dentist's expertise is vital in assessing the need for a crown, planning the procedure, and choosing the best material for your specific case.
Beyond protection, dental crowns can also be used for cosmetic purposes. If a tooth is misshapen or discoloured and traditional teeth whitening isn’t effective, a crown can provide a natural, whiter appearance. Every crown is custom-made to fit your teeth perfectly, providing both functionality and a seamless, natural look.
Types of dental crowns
Dental crowns come in a variety of materials, each with unique benefits to suit different needs:
- Porcelain Crowns: These are a popular choice due to their close resemblance to natural teeth. Some ceramic versions are designed to mimic the translucency of natural enamel, offering an incredibly lifelike appearance. Porcelain crowns also interact gently with the enamel of opposing teeth, minimising wear.
- Zirconia Crowns: Known for their exceptional strength and durability, zirconia crowns are also gentle on opposing teeth, making them a great balance between toughness and comfort.
- Gold Crowns: Gold crowns are valued for their unmatched durability and resistance to wear. Though they don’t mimic the appearance of natural teeth, their strength and longevity make them a preferred choice for back teeth, which bear the brunt of chewing forces.
- Metal Crowns: For areas that require high durability, such as molars, metal crowns are an excellent option. They offer reliable performance and long-lasting strength where it’s needed most.
A dental crown is usually recommended when a tooth is damaged, weakened, or broken. For instance, after a root canal treatment, a crown is often placed to reinforce the tooth and protect it from further damage.
Whether for structural reinforcement or aesthetic enhancement, dental crowns are a versatile solution designed to restore both the health and beauty of your smile
Preparing for a dental crown
Getting a dental crown is a multi-step process typically completed over two appointments, with similar steps involved for both crowns and bridges.
- During your first visit, your dentist will prepare the affected tooth by reshaping it. This involves carefully grinding and contouring the tooth to create enough space for the crown or bridge to fit comfortably. Without this preparation, the restoration would feel bulky or unnatural.
- Once the tooth is prepared, your dentist will take a precise impression of your mouth, which is sent to a dental laboratory where your custom crown or bridge will be crafted. This process usually takes about two weeks. In the meantime, your tooth will be covered with a temporary crown or bridge to protect it and maintain functionality.
- Temporary crowns act as a short-term solution until the permanent restoration is ready. Once your final crown or bridge is complete, it will be bonded securely into place. Permanent crowns are made from high-quality, durable materials and are custom-designed for each patient to ensure a perfect fit, long-term protection, and natural appearance.
- Some dentists now use advanced CAD/CAM technology, which allows crowns to be designed and fabricated in-office. In these cases, you may walk out with a custom crown on the same day. The procedure is generally painless, as local anesthesia is used to ensure your comfort. While mild discomfort may occur afterward, your dentist will provide pain management tips to help you recover smoothly.
At your next visit, your new crown or bridge will be permanently placed, restoring both function and appearance.
Advantages of a dental crown
Dental crowns offer numerous benefits, making them a versatile and effective solution for a variety of dental issues. Here are some key advantages:
- Protects and strengthens damaged teeth: A dental crown reinforces weakened or damaged teeth, preventing further issues and preserving their structure over time.
- Improves appearance: Crowns can cover discoloured, misshapen, or uneven teeth, giving you a brighter, more confident smile.
- Long-lasting durability: With proper care and maintenance, crowns can last for many years. Good oral hygiene habits, including daily brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups, are crucial for extending the lifespan of your crown. Routine visits to your dentist also help monitor the condition of the crown and ensure optimal oral health.
A dental crown is a reliable, long-term solution designed to protect and enhance your teeth while improving your overall dental health. Whether you need to restore functionality or enhance your smile, a crown offers both durability and aesthetic appeal.
Results may vary in individual cases. The photo(s) used are stock photos of people who are not patients of Blue House Dental practice, employees or affiliates.
Frequently asked questions
No, getting a dental crown is not painful as your dentist will give you a local anaesthetic to numb the area.
It may be uncomfortable to sit in the chair with your mouth open during treatment, but you can put your hand up for a break at any time.
Yes. A dental crown can greatly improve the strength, health, and appearance of your natural tooth. It is a good solution for several issues, so be sure to discuss getting a crown with your dentist.
They may be able to offer alternative solutions such as dental veneers, or explain why a crown is the best option for your needs.
A dental crown varies depending on factors such as the material, how many crowns you’re getting, and the extent of work required to install the crown. Please get in touch with our friendly team for more information.
Getting a dental crown is a common and highly safe procedure. The most common side effects are tenderness around the site following each procedure, which will go away in a day or so and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication in the meantime.
It is also possible to experience discomfort when the anaesthesia wears off. In this case, you will need to visit your dentist as soon as possible, as the crown may need to be better shaped to your tooth. This is not a common side effect but is something to be aware of.
Over time, your dental crown may chip, break, or even come off. This is not common but can happen due to wear and tear, and can largely be avoided with good care. Should this occur, your dentist will either fix and reattach the crown or have a new one made.
Dental crowns are a permanent solution, but they can wear down over time. Typically, crowns will last in the decades, for at least 20 years before showing signs of wear and tear.
Should your crown fail, it is a simple matter of having it replaced with a new one.
Good care, including good dental hygiene habits and avoiding hard sweets or biting hard materials, will help your dental crown to last as long as possible.
Restore your smile with durable dental crowns
If you believe a dental crown might be the right solution for you, our team is here to guide you through your options and provide expert advice tailored to your needs. We'll walk you through the entire process, explain the benefits, and ensure you feel confident about your dental care every step of the way.
Get in touch with our friendly team to schedule an appointment.