Crowns

Cosmetic Dentistry

Bespoke, tailor made ceramic dental crowns that match your natural teeth

Crowns

Crowns are used to restore a tooth when it is damaged or you are unhappy with the appearance. They can give a dramatic improvement to your smile!

Most crowns on front teeth are made entirely of very hard porcelain, but occasionally they are still made with porcelain bonded on to a thin thimble of metal. These are called bonded crowns, and, unfortunately, if they are not done well, they may show a slight greyness or grey line at the margin next to the gum.

Crowns on the back teeth are used where a tooth is heavily filled and needs a stronger restoration, some patients opt for a full Gold crown if they have a heavier bite as gold is the strongest material we can use.

Your friends and family members shouldn’t be able to tell you have crowns – they should look like natural teeth. If you have crowns which don’t match your own teeth – maybe they are the wrong colour, or in a poor position – we can help!

We have worked with the best laboratories and dental technicians at Vision Dental Ceramics for over 30 years https://visiondentalceramics.co.uk to achieve the most amazing results for our patients.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crown or inlay made from?

There are a number of different types of dental crowns to choose from. All have their own advantages and disadvantages:

Full Metal Crowns

As the name suggests, they are the crowns made of metal. They can also be a combination of various metals which are known as alloys.

Advantages:

  • They are stronger and are suited for back teeth. They are tough enough to withstand the chewing forces.
  • They do not wear out the opposing teeth.
  • They last much longer.
  • They provide a stronger seal around your tooth.

Disadvantages:

  • They have a metallic look

There are several types of full metal crowns.

  • Gold crown: It is a combination of gold, copper, and other metals.
  • Base metal alloy crown: They can be a combination of nickel-chromium or cobalt chromium. They require least amount of tooth to be removed while preparing your tooth for the crown.
  • Stainless steel crowns: They are also known as prefabricated crowns. After a root canal treatment, they protect your prepared tooth till your permanent crown is ready. They are also useful in children to protect a decayed tooth which needs a crown. As these are prefabricated, your child can skip the multiple visits for a crown.

Ceramic Crowns

There are several types of full ceramic crowns:

  • Zirconia crowns are the most durable and natural looking type of teeth crowns. Their only disadvantage is their higher price.
  • Emax crowns are probably the most aesthetic type of crowns. They are getting more and more popular for restoring front teeth.
  • Lava crown is another newer type of all ceramic crown. Preferred for front tooth restorations.

Advantages:

  • They are suited for the front teeth, as they look just like your natural teeth.
  • They are an ideal choice for people with metal allergies.

Disadvantages:

  • When you use a porcelain crown, the seal around your tooth depends on the strength of your tooth as well as the kind of filling.
  • Their strength is questionable especially if someone has the habit of grinding teeth at night.

Resin crowns

Advantages:

  • These crowns look like your tooth and suitable for front teeth.
  • They are economical.

Disadvantages:

  • They are weaker and can fracture easily.

Porcelain fused to metal

PFM crowns have a metal lining inside and porcelain on top of it.

Advantages:

  • They are stronger and last longer
  • The metal surface bonds better with tooth

Disadvantages:

  • They look opaque, thus may not perfectly match with your natural teeth.
  • The metal line at the interface of porcelain and metal may be visible at the gum line. This is truer when gums have receded/ go down towards the base of tooth.

What happens during my appointment?

During your appointment you would still be made numb if you require local anaesthetic. Your tooth or teeth are then prepared for the crown.

Once the dentist is happy that the tooth is the correct shape, n impression will be taken of the area and the opposite teeth and the teeth biting together. From this information, we then send the impressions to the laboratory where the crown can be designed and customised for your mouth. Once the crown or inlay has been designed it is milled in the milling unit.

This process usually takes about 7 working days. At your next appointment the crown is then cemented into your mouth and the bite checked and confirmed all is comfortable.

How long does your dental crown last?

On an average, a crown lasts for seven years. However, if you maintain them well, they can last for a lifetime.

Can I come to you if I already have a dentist?

Yes, we are happy to carry out your treatment and you could continue to see your own dentist for all your routine treatment, if you wished.

What do I do next?

Call us on 01803 853980 to arrange an appointment with one of our experienced dentists or come see our patient care coordinator for a FREE CONSULTATION regarding any queries or concerns you may have.