A crown is an artificial restoration that fits over the remaining part of a prepared tooth, making it strong and giving it the shape of a natural tooth.
Crowns and why they’re used
A crown is sometimes known as a ‘cap’. Crowns are an ideal restoration for teeth that have been broken, or have been weakened by decay or a very large filling. They can be made of porcelain or gold or a combination of these materials.
A dental crown could be used for a number of other reasons, for instance:
- You may have discoloured fillings and would like to improve the appearance of the tooth
- You may have had a root filling which will need a crown to protect it
- It may help hold a bridge or denture firmly in place
Crowns are made of a variety of different materials, and new materials are continually being introduced. The choice of crown depends on a number of factors including cosmetics, quality of the remaining tooth structure and function of the tooth. We will discuss the various options with you, and advise you on the best option.
See our Same Day Services for more information.
The pros and cons of crowns
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions and enquiries about crowns here and get clarification for important information and potential concerns you may have.
What is involved in the crown process?
Crown preparation involves shaping remaining tooth to the precise dimensions, taking of impressions and choice of colour shade. These are sent to our highly skilled technicians, who produce the individually designed crown. The crown will then be cemented by the dentist two weeks later.
What happens to your teeth whilst the crown is being made?
A temporary crown will be placed to protect the tooth while the permanent crown is made. We may advise that you visit the technician in person, so that he is able to see the shape and colour of your teeth, so enabling him to produce the perfect result.
How long does the crown last?
The longevity of any crown is dependent on the standard of appropriate homecare by the patient. The crown itself cannot decay, but decay can start where the edge of the crown joins the tooth.
How do you look after the crowns?
It is important to keep this area as clean as possible with thorough tooth brushing and the use of floss interdental brushes. The dentist and hygienist will give you individual advice regarding the homecare of crowns, so that their lifespan is maximised.
What our patients say
“We have been with our previous dentist for 37 years but the changes over recent years forced us to change. We chose Alvington House and could not be more pleased. Wish we had moved years ago! The organisation is professional and the care is calm and experienced. I hope we will be around for another 37 years with Alvington. Thank you to Mr Nigel Slattery and Sarah.”
Sheila Burke.
“As a private patient with the practice, I could not be happier with the service I’ve received in the short time I’ve been coming here. Mr Soares is an absolute asset to the practice and made me feel heard from the get go. Which, for someone with anxiety over dental related anything, is a definite plus. Highly recommend this practice if you’ve the finances for private care.”
Rick Cole.
“Fantastic practice and people. On top of routine check-ups, Joel did teeth whitening and a crown for my front tooth that previously had root canal and filling. I’m so happy with the results and feel like I can smile properly again for the first time in years.”
Evan Doble.
“Being a very nervous dental patient, the prospect of a molar extraction was very daunting. I was seen on the same day as I phoned in in pain and my tooth was taken out within two days. Mr Surti was brilliant! I was amazed at how easy and painless it was compared to my awful childhood experiences. Very calm and professional and made every effort to squeeze me in as soon as possible. All the staff were brilliant. I highly recommend this dental practice and especially Mr Surti.”
JoJo.
“Alvington House has been our family’s dentist for several years now and we have no complaints. Our dentist, Mr Surti, is kind and knowledgeable. The receptionists and dental nurses are top notch. Highly recommended dental practice.”
Marsha S.