Dental crowns or caps are dental restorations that are used to restore cracked or broken down teeth or too protect weakened teeth from further decay or fracture.

Crowns can be used to restore teeth in the following clinical situations : The tooth is fractured or decayed and it can not be built up or restored using conventional restorative materials and techniques. After root canal treatment it is recommended that a crown be placed to strengthen the remaining tooth structure to prevent crown and root fractures. For cosmetic reasons - crowns can be any shape and colour so cosmetic porcelain crowns can dramatically change the aesthetics of your smile. Replacing large existing conventional fillings - crowns are stronger and will protect the underlying dental tissues more than amalgams or bonded composites restorations. To restore an implant - the crown is attached to the underlying titanium implant.

ANIMATION OF A CROWN BEING PREPARED ON A FRONT TOOTH

A crown is usually made over 2 visits. At the first stage after removing any decay your tooth is reshaped to the correct taper for the type of crown that is being made for your tooth. Once the tooth has been prepared an impression of your teeth is taken, which is then sent to a dental laboratory for the manufacture of the crown. Usually the dental technician will take from seven to ten days to custom-fabricate your new crown. During this time a temporary crown will be placed over your tooth for aesthetics and protection. Although dental enamel and dentine is removed in the process of manufacturing a crown this does not weaken your tooth, it actually strengthens your remaining tooth by replacing the damaged dental tissues with a strong cast material. At your second visit the temporary crown will be removed and the permanent crown will be tried into position over your tooth. If it fits correctly and all the cosmetic requirements are met and you are also satisfied with the appearance the crown will be permanetly bonded to your existing tooth.

Crowns can be made from a variety different materials but we tend to use only full porcelain cosmetic crowns or porcelain bonded to metal crowns.

ANIMATION OF A CROWN BEING PREPARED ON A BACK TOOTH