Dental Crown or Tooth Crown
Dental Crown or Tooth Crown is a tooth shaped ‘cap’ that is placed over a tooth in order to cover the tooth to restore the strength, shape and size of the tooth. Dental Crowns are also used to improve the appearance of a tooth. The dental crown encases the entire visible portion of the tooth – the portion that lies at and above the gum line.
Dental crowns may be needed for a number of reasons – for example, a dental crown can be used to protect a weak tooth from breaking (for example, a tooth weakened from tooth decay) or to hold together parts or sections of a cracked tooth. A dental crown can also be used to restore a severely worn down tooth or a severely discoloured tooth. Crowns can also be used for cosmetic purposes to improve the aesthetic appearance of a tooth – for example, a dental crown can be used to cover a mis-shaped tooth or to made cosmetic modifications to a tooth. A dental crown can also be used to hold a dental bridge in place or to cover a dental implant.
| Dental Crowns Prices are per unit and they depend on material selected |
from £525 |
| Dental Bridges Prices are per unit and they depend on material selected |
from £525 |
Ethically Priced
Our Crowns & Bridges are very ethically priced. That typically results in our prices being very competitive compared to our peers.
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Dental crowns come in different types, depending on the material used. Crowns can be made from a range of materials – stainless steel, all metal (gold or another type of alloy), porcelain-bonded-to-metal, all porcelain or all ceramic.
Porcelain-bonded-to-metal dental crowns are a very popular choice for a number of patients. Porcelain bonded dental crowns can be colour matched to the adjacent teeth, unlike metal crowns which are metallic in appearance. However, more wear occurs to the opposing teeth with porcelain bonded dental crowns as compared to metal dental crowns. The porcelain portion of the dental crown can also chip or break away. Sometimes the underlying metal in the crown can show as a dark line at the gum line, especially if the gums recede. Porcelain bonded crowns can be a good option for front or back teeth where the underlying metal in the crown is needed for strength.
All Ceramic or All Porcelain dental crowns provide better natural colour to exactly match the adjacent teeth as compared to any other type of dental crown. They can also be suitable for patients with metal allergies. All Ceramic crowns can also be used for both front and back teeth.
Precious Metal Crowns use metals and alloys with a high content of gold or platinum or base-metal alloys (cobalt- chromium and nickel-chromium). Metal dental crowns withstand ocular forces, biting and chewing well and typically last the longest as compared to other crowns. Metal dental crowns also rarely break or chip. The main drawback however, is the metallic colour of the crown. They typically tend to be a good option therefore for out of sight molar crowns.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a temporary dental crown or tooth crown?
Most permanent dental crowns are made in a dental laboratory. A temporary crown on the other hand can be made in the dentist surgery. Temporary dental crowns typically are made of an acrylic material or even stainless steel; they are used as a form of temporary restoration option until such time a permanent dental crown is constructed by a dental lab.
What is the process for making a dental crown or tooth crown?
Making a dental crown or preparing a tooth for a dental crown typically requires two visits to the dentist. The first visit is used to prepare the tooth and take impressions for making the crown followed by a second visit for fitting the crown on the tooth.
During the first appointment, the dentist may take X-rays to check the roots of the tooth that is having the crown and also surrounding bone structure. If the dentist identifies extensive decay or determines risk of infection to the tooth, a root canal first need to be performed. When the process of creating a crown begins, the dentist will numb the tooth and surrounding tissue. The tooth receiving the dental crown is then filed down alongside the chewing surface of the tooth and its sides to make room for the dental crown. For patients where a large area of tooth is missing (perhaps due to tooth decay or damage), the dentist will use composite material to ‘build up’ the tooth in order to support the dental crown. Once the tooth has been reshaped or ground-down, the dentist usually use a putty material to take an impression of the tooth to help create the crown to the exact dimensions required.
The impressions are then sent to a dental laboratory who then manufacture the dental crown to the exact dimensions to fit onto your affected tooth. The dental crown is then returned to the dentist typically in two to three week’ time. If the dental crown is made of porcelain, the dentist will select the crown shade that matches the colour of the surrounding teeth. The dentist will make a temporary crown to protect and cover the prepared tooth while the permanent crown is being manufactured.
During the second appointment, the dentist will first remove the temporary crown and then check the fit of the permanent crown. They will also check the colour of the permanent crown ensuring it closely matches the colour of the surrounding teeth. If all is okay, the dentist will then numb the tooth and the permanent crown is cemented onto the tooth.
How long does a dental crown or tooth crown last?
Typically, dental crowns last between 5 to 15 years. The longevity of a dental crown is dependent on the amount of ‘wear and tear’ the crown experiences, how well the patient practices oral hygiene and the degree of ocular forces in the patients mouth – e.g. habits like grinding or clenching teeth, chewing hard food items, biting fingernails and teeth to open packages etc. The lifespan of a crown is also dependent on the material chosen to make the crown – metal crowns for example can last longer than other types of crowns.
Dr. Deepa, our principal dentist, is an experienced dentist with almost.15 years of dental experience. She has treated many patients for dental crowns over the years. She will happily assist you to assess your dental needs to determine if a dental crown might be the right treatment for you.
Whites Dental provides Dental Crowns and Tooth Crowns for patients near us in London Bridge. We are located in London Waterloo SE1, next to Southwark Tube. We are a 5 to 10 minutes’ walk from London Bridge, Southbank, Borough & Elephant and Castle.