Crowns

Dental crowns, often called ‘caps’, are a custom made type of restoration that are cemented into place and cover teeth weakened by injury or decay.  If your tooth has been weakened but not lost entirely, a crown can be used to restore its appearance and function.  Crowns differ from veneers in that they cover the tooth’s entire surface.

• Crowns are used for the following reasons:
  • Protecting a decayed or damaged tooth from breaking
  • Protecting a weakened tooth that has a large filling or a root canal filling
  • Supporting a tooth that has been structurally injured (e.g. cracked or broken)
  • Restoring a tooth to its former functionality whilst improving its appearance
  • Anchoring dental bridges which replace a missing tooth
  • Improving the appearance of a tooth, which is discoloured or has a large filling in place
  • Covering a dental implant

At Shirley Dental Practice we will fit you with a crown that meets your particular needs and budget. Crowns can be made from a variety of materials.  Your dentist will discuss available options to help you decide which one is right for you

• • Porcelain fused to metal: These are a popular choice as by bonding these two materials together, it creates a crown that is both attractive with its outer porcelain layer and durable from its metal substructure.  Precious metals are preferable because they are more biocompatible.
  • All ceramic: As a crown material, dental ceramic is both natural looking and very aesthetically pleasing, making it especially popular for restoring front teeth.  It can be bonded to your tooth creating a strong hold so that you can enjoy your new smile for longer.
  • Gold: This traditional crown type is known for its durability, making it especially effective for restoring back teeth.  It is able to be formed to a thickness of less than 1mm, therefore being very conservative to your tooth structure.  Gold will not wear down your opposing teeth, as it has certain characteristics similar to tooth enamel.

A crowns durability depends on the amount of ‘wear and tear’ you expose it to as well as how consistently you practice good oral hygiene.  With optimum care and regular check ups, a crown can last 10-15 years, keeping your teeth in great shape and enhancing your smile for a long time to come.

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