Dental crowns are a popular type of restoration used widely in dentistry today. They provide a strong structure when a natural tooth has become compromised.

A dental crown can also change the colour, shape and size of a tooth, so they are widely used in cosmetic dentistry. Dental crowns are normally made out of porcelain but some can have a precious metal under the porcelain to give added strength for the molars.

A dental crown restoration is a cap like cover that is cemented over your natural tooth. It will cover your natural tooth entirely and will sit just under the gum line.

The dental crown will become the new outer structure of your tooth.

Reasons for a dental crown

• To make the appearance of tooth more aesthetically pleasing
• To make the tooth stronger
• To restore the tooth to its original state

The first visit for a dental crown

The tooth will be filed down, shaped and all decay removed. All old restorations will be removed from the tooth.

A small margin will be applied using a fast turbine drill, this ensures that when the crown is fitted it will be flush with the gum line.

An impression will be taken and sent to the laboratory to be manufactured.

At this point the dentist will make you a temporary crown that is made of acrylic and will last about 2-3 weeks. Enough time for your crown to be made.

The second visit for your dental crown

On this visit the temporary crown will be removed and thrown away. The new crown will be fitted and will be cemented into place with a strong cement.

Next the dentist will check the biting surface of the tooth to ensure that all teeth bite evenly. Your new dental crown should last you between 10-15 years if it is carefully maintained.