Crowns offer a neat, natural-coloured way to cover up unsightly teeth and protect them from further damage. They are custom-made to fit completely over a whole tooth, concealing defects caused by chips, decay, discolouration or large fillings. Crowns enable us to restore strength to your tooth and maintain a natural feel and finish, blending perfectly with your existing teeth.
Crowns are commonly used to repair damage that has affected the structure and functionality of a tooth. As they replace the whole outside structure of the tooth, they are a full rebuild for teeth that need an overall restoration. For teeth that have had multiple fillings, extensive decay, and general damage, a crown is the way forward.
In some cases, we may use a crown to restore a tooth following a root canal treatment for an aesthetic and reliable finish. They can also be used to support a dental bridge or fixed to a dental implant.
We first ensure that the internal structure of the tooth is intact and that there are no signs of infection present. We prepare your tooth by removing a layer of tooth structure, making sure we leave a strong core. This will make space for your crown to sit level with your other teeth.
We take impressions of your teeth and record their colour so your crown can be made to fit perfectly. We protect the prepared tooth with a temporary crown until your final one is ready.
When your new crown has been made, we check it for fit and size to ensure optimum comfort. Once you are completely happy, we fix it securely in place using dental adhesive.
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 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.
It is important to be careful with your crown, especially in the first few hours and days after fitting. Avoid biting on any hard foods so you don’t cause unnecessary damage as it settles. To help protect your crown from any issues, you should also attend regular dental check-ups.
You are able to choose the colour of your crown, based on your personal preferences. We may advise you of the shade which would best match your natural tooth colour, but it is ultimately up to you. If you are considering having whitening treatment, you may prefer to have this treatment first, as whitening is not effective on crowns and your crown can then be made to match your new shade.
Tooth crowns are not permanent, and will need replacing or repairing at some point. The treatment process is irreversible as some of your natural dental enamel is removed in order to accommodate the crown on top, so you will always need a crown on your tooth. Most crowns last for up to 10-15 years before natural wear and tear will likely cause the need for removal and replacement.
We use local anaesthetic to numb the affected area before preparing your tooth for a crown, and fitting the crown itself to make sure you won’t feel any pain. We take the time to ensure you feel relaxed and comfortable before beginning any treatment. Many patients find that having a crown is no more uncomfortable than a filling.
A good quality crown will cost from £595.00, depending on the material that is used and your individual case. Crowns are very hard-wearing and durable. With good maintenance and care, they have the potential to last for many years. For many patients, crowns are a comfortable, strong and cost-effective way to restore their smile in the long-term.
Various materials can be used in the production of your crown. Often this will depend on where it will sit in your mouth. Very visible crowns can be made from porcelain or ceramic so that they look natural, whereas gold or metal alloys are often used for the back teeth where more strength and durability is required. Either way, your crown will be matched in size and shape so that it fits perfectly alongside your existing teeth feeling comfortable, secure and strong.
