What Are Crowns?
Crowns are made of porcelain or gold, or porcelain with gold inside for strength.
A crown is designed, like a cap, to completely cover a weakened tooth above the gum line to protect it.

What can my dentist do?

• We will usually provide you with a local anaesthetic to numb the area
• We will carefully shape your tooth so that, with the crown, it will be the same size as a normal tooth.
• An exact 'impression' of the tooth to be crowned and the adjacent teeth will be taken using a soft mouldable material. A skilled dental technician will use this impression to ensure that the crown is made to the exact height and size required to accurately fit your tooth.
• A thin cord may be used to hold the gum away from the tooth so that the impression is accurate around the edges
• A temporary crown made of plastic is put over the tooth until the permanent crown is made. You can chew on a temporary crown, but care must be taken, since it won't be as strong as the finished crown. If the crown is made of porcelain, we will accurately check the colour required to match perfectly with your natural teeth.
• When the crown is fitted, we may need to make small adjustments to perfect your bite. The crown is tried in first, and then glued in place.

What are the benefits?

• Crowns are strong and can look and feel exactly like a natural tooth. The colour and shape can be matched to your own teeth.
• Crowns can also improve the appearance of misshapen or discoloured teeth.
• Depending on the strength of the tooth underneath, a crown can last for many years if you look after your mouth and teeth, and the crown is not accidentally damaged.