What Is a Crown?
A crown, sometimes known as a ‘cap’ is a precision cover that is placed over a worn, damaged or broken tooth, providing strength and protection in the bite.
What Are They For?
Crowns are commonly used for teeth that have been structurally compromised by a large cavity or root canal therapy. They are also recommended when more than 60% of the tooth is restored with a large filling. This will ensure the tooth is strengthened as much as possible, avoiding a ‘dental emergency’ or fracture when least expected.
How Do They Look?
Placing a crown can be a way to preserve the tooth so that it is retained for life. The end result is that it looks exactly like a tooth, and is matched to your other teeth.
Crowns can also be used for cosmetic reasons including enhancing the size, colour, shape and position of your teeth.
What Are Crowns Made From?
Crowns can be made from many different materials, depending on your restorative, cosmetic or bite needs. These materials range from ceramics/porcelain and porcelain fused to metal alloy, to gold and zirconia. They can be made and fitted all in the same day using the latest cad-cam technology or sent away to a laboratory to be prepared.