If unsightly teeth are spoiling your smile, crowns can offer a neat, natural-coloured cover up. They fit completely over a whole tooth, concealing defects and areas of damage, and are able to blend seamlessly into your smile.
Book appointmentCrowns are commonly used to repair damage that has affected the structure and functionality of a tooth. As they replace the whole outside structure of the tooth, they are a full rebuild for teeth that need an overall restoration. Crowns can be used for a number of issues, including to cover chips, cracks, areas of decay, discolouration or large fillings.
Crowns can be made from a variety of materials, with porcelain or ceramic most commonly used for a beautifully natural looking result. We are able to match the colour of your crown to your existing natural teeth so only you need to know it is there.
Contact usWe begin by carefully examining your teeth, ensuring that the tooth to be crowned has a strong internal structure. We talk you through the treatment, giving you the chance to ask any questions before we begin.
We prepare your tooth for treatment by removing a layer of enamel to accommodate the crown. We take digital images and impressions of your tooth and make a note of the colour so your crown can be made to blend perfectly into your smile. Your prepared tooth is protected between appointments with a temporary crown.
When your crown is ready, we check the colour and fit is exactly right before removing the temporary one and securing the final one firmly in place using strong dental adhesive.
The best way to look after your crown is to keep your teeth and gums healthy, including brushing and flossing twice a day. It is also important to keep up with your regular check up appointments so your dentist can keep an eye on your crown and the tooth underneath.
A dental crown is not permanent, and will need replacing or repairing due to natural wear and tear at some point after it is fitted. Most people find their crown lasts for around 10-15 years before needing attention. However, the treatment process itself is irreversible due to the need to remove some of your natural tooth enamel, so a replacement crown will always need to be fitted.
Having dental crown treatment is not painful. We use local anaesthetic to numb the area around your tooth and minimise your discomfort during treatment. We also make sure you are feeling relaxed in the dentist chair before we begin. Many patients report that having a crown is no more uncomfortable than a standard filling.
Your crown may become stained over time, but the level of discolouration is less severe than in your natural teeth. This is more likely if you consume a lot of dark or strong coloured food or drink, including tea, coffee, red wine or curry, or are a smoker. Teeth whitening treatments are not effective on dental restorations such as crowns, so it may appear darker than your other teeth if you have undergone whitening treatment.