A dental crown is a very effective treatment used to restore a broken or damage tooth.
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a tooth shaped, and often tooth coloured, restoration used to entirely cover or “cap” a damaged tooth. Typically, a crown is made of ceramic, porcelain, or metal, like a gold alloy. Crowns improve the appearance, shape and alignment of teeth and can be placed over a dental implant to provide a tooth like shape and structure for function.
How are crowns made using the laboratory?
The dentist will first prepare your tooth, filing down and removing some of the outer layer of the tooth. The dentist will then take impressions of your teeth which will be sent to the laboratory for the technician to craft a custom-made crown. This normally takes around two weeks so during this time a temporary crown will be placed on your tooth. Once the crown is ready you will be able to attend for the fitting. The dentist will ensure that the crown fits comfortably within your bite and is invisible when your laugh, talk and smile.
What are Same Day Crowns?
The dentist will first prepare your tooth, filing down and removing some of the outer layer of the tooth. The dentist will then spray your teeth with a light powder before using the scanner to take 3D images of your tooth and the surrounding area. These images are then used to craft a custom-made crown on our in surgery milling machine. Once milled the crown can be taken, fitted and polished to match your existing teeth. Allowing you to get your crown made and fitted on the same day.
How do I care for my crown?
Once your crown is fitted, it is important to maintain excellent oral hygiene, making sure to brush and floss twice a day and avoid biting on hard foods like nuts and candy that can potentially fracture the crown.
Benefits of dental crowns
Long lasting – crowns support a tooth that has been significantly damaged by decay, increasing the lifespan of your natural teeth.
Improve the appearance of teeth – crowns can add length or width to misshapen teeth, mask discolouration and restore a dental implant.
Improve chewing or eating – chewing and eating are often affected when you lose or damage a tooth. Thanks to modern dentistry, the materials that are used to build the dental crown have been made tougher so that you can continue to eat foods that you love with almost zero restrictions.