Dental crowns are the caps that are placed on top of damaged teeth to protect and restore structures that have lost their natural size in extensive way and strength.
They provide a smart and discreet way of restoring function and covering up defects such as cracks, decay, and large fillings.
Depending on where the problematic tooth is located, we often recommend porcelain crowns, as
they are incredibly durable and look extremely similar to natural teeth.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns offer both functional and cosmetic advantages. Here are some of the key benefits:
-Protects Weakened or Damaged Teeth.
Crowns provide a strong outer layer that protects teeth weakened by decay, cracks, or large fillings—helping to prevent further damage or the need for extraction.
-Restores Function
Whether it’s eating, biting, or speaking, crowns restore your tooth’s natural function so you can eat and speak comfortably again.
-Improves Appearance and Stain Resistance
Crowns can dramatically enhance the appearance of discolored, misshapen, or worn-down teeth. Tooth-colored options like porcelain or ceramic blend beautifully with your natural smile and will maintain its natural appearance throughout time.
-Durable and Long-Lasting
With proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits, crowns can last 5-10 years or even longer. Materials like zirconia and metal alloys offer extra durability for back teeth.
-Easy Maintenance
You can care for them just like your natural teeth, with regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental check-ups. Maintaining good oral hygiene habits ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your dental crowns.
-Prevents Tooth Loss
By protecting a tooth from further decay or fracture, crowns help preserve your natural tooth, reducing the need for extractions or more invasive procedures.
-Comfortable Fit
Each crown is custom-designed to fit your bite and smile, ensuring comfort, proper alignment, and a natural feel.
What to expect from your procedure
We’ll carry out an initial examination to ensure the tooth’s internal structure is strong enough to support the crown, and the tooth itself is not infected.
If we decide that a dental crown is the best course of action, we will remove a layer of the tooth’s structure to reshape its core, before taking impressions of your teeth. The impressions will be used to create a crown that matches the shape and colour of your existing teeth.
We’ll fit a temporary solution while your tailor-made crown is being manufactured. Then, when it’s ready, we’ll fix the permanent crown in place to complete the treatment process.
We’ll do everything we can to ensure you’re comfortable while your crown is being fitted. Our dentists will use a local anaesthetic, so any discomfort during the surgery will be mild and short-lived. You may experience some swelling and soreness directly after the treatment, but this should subside quickly.
As long as you follow good oral hygiene, you can expect your permanent crown to last between 5 and 10 years. We recommend that you visit us regularly so we can keep an eye on the fitting and make sure any repairs or further restorations are dealt with swiftly.
Frequent Questions:
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers a damaged, decayed, or weakened tooth to restore its strength, function, and appearance.
-Why would I need a crown?
You may need a crown if your tooth is:
Cracked, broken or decayed severely
Worn down
Treated with a root canal
Supporting a dental bridge or covering a dental implant
-What are crowns made of?
Crowns can be made from:
Porcelain or ceramic (tooth-colored and natural-looking)
Zirconia (very strong and durable)
Metal alloys (such as gold or base metals)
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) (a combination of strength and appearance)
-How long do dental crowns last?
With good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, crowns can last 5 to 10years or even longer.
-Is the crown procedure painful?
No. The procedure is usually done under local anesthesia, so you won’t feel pain. Some sensitivity may occur afterward but typically goes away within a few days.
-How long does it take to get a crown?
Typically, it takes two visits:
The first visit is for tooth preparation, impressions, and a temporary crown.
The second visit (usually 1–2 weeks later) is for placing the permanent crown.
(Some offices offer same-day crowns with CAD/CAM technology.)
-Can a crown fall off or become loose?
Yes, if the cement wears down or there’s underlying decay. If your crown feels loose or comes off, contact your dentist immediately.
-Do crowns require special care?
Not really. Just maintain good oral hygiene:
Brush and floss daily
Avoid chewing hard foods or ice
Visit your dentist regularly
-Will a crown look natural?
Absolutely! Tooth-colored materials like porcelain and zirconia are designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
-What’s the difference between a crown and a veneer?
A crown covers the entire tooth, while a veneer only covers the front surface. Crowns are better for teeth that need structural support, while veneers are mainly cosmetic.