What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers a damaged, weakened, or aesthetically unappealing tooth. Crowns restore a tooth's shape, size, strength, and appearance, making them a versatile and long-lasting dental solution.

Why Might You Need a Dental Crown?

Your dentist may recommend a crown for various reasons, including:

• Protecting a weak tooth from breaking due to decay or injury.

• Restoring a broken or severely worn-down tooth.

• Covering and strengthening a tooth after a root canal.

• Supporting a dental bridge to replace missing teeth.

• Improving the appearance of discoloured or misshapen teeth.

• Capping a dental implant to replace a missing tooth.

Types of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns come in different materials, each with its benefits:

1. Porcelain or Ceramic Crowns

   • Best for front teeth due to their natural look.

   • Colour-matched to blend with your natural teeth.

   • Highly aesthetic but slightly less durable than metal-based crowns.

2. Metal Crowns (Gold or Alloy)

   • Extremely strong and resistant to wear.

   • Ideal for back molars where durability is key.

   • Less aesthetic due to their metallic colour.

3. Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns

   • Combines the strength of metal with a natural-looking porcelain outer layer.

   • Durable and suitable for both front and back teeth.

   • Can sometimes show a dark metal edge at the gum line over time.

4. Zirconia Crowns

   • Highly durable, similar to metal but tooth-coloured.

   • Suitable for both front and back teeth.

   • More resistant to chipping than porcelain.

5. Same-Day CEREC Crowns

   • Made using 3D scanning and milling technology.

   • Can be designed and placed in a single dental visit.

   • Made of ceramic, offering a balance of aesthetics and strength.

The Dental Crown Procedure (Step-by-Step)

1. Initial Consultation & Tooth Preparation

• Your dentist examines your tooth and may take X-rays.

• The tooth is reshaped and filed down to make space for the crown.

• If needed, a build-up filling is placed to strengthen a severely damaged tooth.

2. Impression & Temporary Crown Placement

• A digital scan or mould impression is taken to create a custom-fit crown.

• A temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth while the permanent crown is made (typically 1-2 weeks).

3. Permanent Crown Placement

• The temporary crown is removed, and the permanent crown is checked for fit and colour.

• Once approved, the crown is cemented in place using a strong adhesive.

• For CEREC same-day crowns, the entire process can be completed in one visit.

Caring for Your Dental Crown

To ensure your crown lasts as long as possible:

• Brush and floss daily to keep the gums around the crown healthy.

• Avoid biting on hard foods (ice, nuts) to prevent chipping.

• Use a nightguard if you grind your teeth.

• Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and professional cleanings.

With proper care, crowns can last between 10-15 years or longer!

Are There Alternatives to Crowns?

Depending on your dental issue, alternatives to crowns may include:

• Dental Bonding – For minor chips and cosmetic fixes.

• Veneers – Thin shells covering the front of the tooth for aesthetics.

• Onlays/Inlays – Partial restorations that cover damaged areas.

• Dental Implants – If the tooth is severely damaged and needs extraction.

Final Thoughts: Is a Dental Crown Right for You?

Dental crowns are a long-lasting, reliable solution for restoring and protecting damaged teeth. If you have a weakened, broken, or aesthetically compromised tooth, a crown can provide strength, function, and an improved appearance.

At Chester Cosmetic & Dental Care, we offer high-quality porcelain, zirconia, and same-day CEREC crowns to suit your needs.