Crowns
At Dentist@W2 we want to give you a smile you can be proud of, and we understand that imperfections in the colouration or uniformity of your teeth can make you feel self-conscious. We offer a range of restorative treatments, including dental crowns, that aim to give you a flawless smile and healthy, strong teeth.
What are dental crowns?
Dental crowns are used to cover the visible part of your teeth, if your natural teeth are chipped, broken or fragile following root canal treatment or a large filling. There are several materials from which crowns can be made from – your dentist will advise you as to which material will be most suited to your needs, based on the position in your mouth where it will be fitted, your personal preference and your budget.
Ceramic crowns are popular because they can be perfectly colour matched to your surrounding teeth, making the crown indistinguishable from your natural teeth. For your back teeth, which have to be strong enough to chew and which are not visible when you smile, your dentist may recommend a metal-ceramic crown instead.
Crowns can last for many years with good oral care. You need only take care of them in the same way as you care for your natural teeth. You may need only a single crown, or several depending on the appearance and health of your teeth – your dentist will be able to advise you of the best course of action during your initial consultation.
How do dental crowns work?
Your dental crown will be custom made and carefully colour matched to blend in with your natural teeth. Many of our patients choose to combine this treatment with a teeth-whitening treatment such as Zoom! to bring out the natural beauty of their own teeth, to which their new crown is then matched.
Your affected natural tooth will need to be prepared by having the very top layer gently abraded in order to make room for the crown – otherwise, the crown would not sit flush with your other teeth. This is a pain-free procedure as the affected area will be completely numbed using local anaesthetic. Once your crown has been prepared, it will be permanently adhered to your natural tooth (or, if teeth are missing, it may be attached to dental implants).
Will dental crowns work for me?
If you have a broken, chipped, fragile or crooked tooth, a dental crown can greatly improve the appearance and strength of your own tooth. You may need just a single crown or several crowns. Your dentist will always explore and explain why you need a crown or crowns – if there is a problem with your bite that has caused your teeth to wear down, for example, then your dentist may advise that you consider having braces fitted (such as the Invisalign treatment that we offer) to prevent a reoccurrence of the problem in the future.
How long does a crown take to fit?
You will need two appointments: the first, so that your dentist can examine your mouth and discuss all possible treatment options, and then, assuming that a crown is recommended, your tooth will be prepared and an impression of your mouth taken. This impression will be used to produce a crown that will fit perfectly. Your crown will then be crafted, which will take around 1-2 weeks. At your second appointment, the crown will be securely fitted.
Contact us to discuss dental crowns
If you have damaged or discoloured teeth, call us today or complete our online contact form and we will contact you to arrange a free initial consultation with one of our friendly, experienced dentists who can discuss all suitable treatment options with you.