Crowns fit neatly over unsightly or broken teeth, providing complete coverage and restoring strength, shape and appearance. They offer an aesthetic restoration for broken, decayed or discoloured teeth, or those with large fillings.

Made from porcelain, ceramic or metal alloys, crowns can also be used on teeth that have had root canal treatment. They are matched in size, shape and colour to sit comfortably alongside existing teeth.

Why would I need a dental crown?

You may need a dental crown for several reasons, including:

• Protecting a weak tooth (possibly from decay) from breaking or keeping the weak tooth together if parts of it are cracked.
• Restoring a broken tooth or a severely worn down tooth.
• Covering and supporting a tooth with a large filling and not much tooth remaining.
• Holding a dental bridge in place.
• Covering misshapen or severely discoloured teeth.
• Covering a dental implant
• Covering a tooth that’s been treated with a root canal.

Treatment steps

• A layer of enamel is removed from the tooth to accommodate the crown.
• Impressions of the prepared tooth are taken and the shade of the natural teeth is recorded so the crown can be made to fit perfectly.
• To protect the tooth between appointments, it will be covered with a temporary crown.
• When ready, this temporary crown is removed and the new permanent one fixed in place with a strong dental cement.

As long as crowns are looked after carefully, by avoiding very hard foods and thoroughly cleaning teeth, they offer a natural looking restoration that can last for years.