Crowns can be made of porcelain or metal with a porcelain cover. A crown helps to restore a tooth’s shape, size and strength. It covers the entire part of the tooth that lies above the gum line.

Crowns can also be used to cover teeth whose appearance we want to improve. Modern porcelain crowns combine both strength and the ability to match your natural teeth. We can use these to redesign the shape and improve the symmetry of the front teeth.

Crowns are generally made over two visits. At the first appointment the tooth is prepared. This is when the majority of the work is done. Firstly we numb the tooth. Then we take some impressions. These are moulds of the teeth that set over a couple of minutes. The tooth has to be shaped to create the correct base for placing a crown on. This drilling phase takes about fifteen minutes. After some more impressions we place a temporary crown on the tooth with a weak cement.

This temporary will be similar to the original tooth and stays in place for about ten days. It is important not to put excessive pulling forces on it as it is designed to be removed easily. Normal chewing pressures should be fine. In this interim period the tooth can be sensitive, however this should settle soon after the permanent crown is fitted.

The second visit is much quicker. Generally we numb the tooth again. The temporary crown is removed and we cement the permanent crown. The permanent crown will match the shade and shape of the surrounding teeth.