Crowns

A crown is a covering that goes completely over a tooth. They can be made from various materials but usually from pure porcelain that is fused to a metal substructure, often a gold alloyor from porcelain only.

Crowns are used to replace the damaged crown of a tooth as when a tooth has been heavily filled or root filled and the remaining tooth is weak, or there is not enough tooth structure left to hold a filling in place. Crowns are also used for aesthetic reasons when we need to change the shape or colour of a tooth.

The length of time it takes to prepare a tooth for a crown depends on the situation. Usually a minimum of one hour is required in the dental chair. An impression (mould) is taken of the prepared tooth and sent to a Dental Laboratory which takes approximately two weeks to construct the crown. A temporary crown is made of plastic and is placed on the tooth for this time, so that you can eat properly and the tooth looks normal.

It takes approximately 40 minutes to cement in the new crown on the next visit.

Generally a crown fails not because there is something wrong with the crown, but rather due to decay in the tooth around the crown or the rest of the mouth changes (such as teeth becoming darker but the crown stays the same colour) and this makes the crown stand out or the gum recedes around the crown.

Porcelain veneers are used to improve the colour of a tooth and/or change the shape of it. You can treat one tooth or a segment of teeth to completely change the way you smile.