A crown is a type of dental restoration used to fix teeth that have been broken, weakened by decay or
contain a very large filling.
Here is how it works:
The tooth that needs restoring is prepared and an impression is then taken of the tooth. A
temporary crown is placed on the tooth in the meantime.
The impression is then sent to a dental laboratory where a crown is made. The crown may be
tooth-coloured or metal (silver/gold coloured) for back teeth.
The temporary crown is removed and the lab-made crown is fitted securely on top. A crown could
be a good solution for you if you have some discoloured fillings and would like to improve their
appearance. Crowns can be used to replace these to give you a more appealing smile.
Additionally, if you have had root canal treatment you will need a crown to protect or cap the
restored tooth, allowing you to eat and bite down on it as if it was a real tooth. Crowns are
also used to anchor a bridge or denture firmly in place in the mouth.
A crown could be a good solution for you if you have some discoloured fillings and would
like to improve their appearance. Crowns can be used to replace these to give you a more appealing
smile. Additionally, if you have had root canal treatment you will need a crown to protect or cap
the restored tooth, allowing you to eat and bite down on it as if it was a real tooth. Crowns are
also used to anchor a bridge or denture firmly in place in the mouth.
Life Benefits
Strengthens remaining tooth structure.
Natural-looking restoration.
Restores the ability to chew and function as before.
If you require a more extensive restoration than a crown or have more than one tooth that needs to be
repaired, a good solution is a bridge.
Here is how they work:
Bridges are usually made of a precious metal base, which gives them a solid structure and makes them
hard-wearing. If you need a bridge in your smile line, porcelain is usually added to the base tomake
it look more like real teeth.
The tooth next to the gap that needs replacing is prepared and an impression is then taken of the
tooth. A temporary crown is placed on the tooth in the meantime.
The impression is then sent to a dental laboratory where a crown is made. Attached to this crown is
a ‘false tooth’ which replaces the missing tooth.
The temporary crown is removed and the lab-made bridge is fitted securely on top.
Once you have a bridge fitted, you will have to take extra care during your daily
hygiene regime to ensure it stays plaque-free.
