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Crowns
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What is a crown?
Crowns (or caps) are hand-made coverings
designed to fit over teeth if they are misshapen,
discoloured, or have been weakened by
damage or a large filling. A crown will restore
the strength of a tooth and give it the shape
and colour of your natural teeth.
When do I need a crown?
A crown may be recommended if:
- You want to improve the appearance of a tooth.
- Your tooth is weakened by a very large filling.
- You have a discoloured filling.
- Your tooth is damaged.
- You have a root treated tooth which requires crown protection.
- You have a bridge or denture which needs to be held in place.
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What materials are used for making a crown?
Crowns are made from various materials depending on
the clinical diagnosis and personal preferences.Your dentist
will recommend the most appropriate material.The most
popular are:
- Porcelain, bonded to precious metal: this is used for most
crowns, consisting of a precious metal base with layers of
porcelain bonded on top.
- Pure porcelain: this is used for metal-free crowns giving
them a more natural appearance.
- Porcelain and composite resins: these are new materials
used for metal-free crowns giving them improved wear
and strength.
- Solid precious metal (gold and palladium): these are very
strong and hard-wearing and are mainly used at the back
of the mouth where they can't be seen.
Pure porcelain crowns
Your dentist can now fit pure porcelain crowns on both the
front and back teeth.These have the translucency and beauty
of natural teeth with the inner strength of the latest generation
porcelain. By substituting the gold core with porcelain, dental
technicians are able to exercise a greater degree of artistry to
create crowns that have no dark margins, making them
virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth.
How is a tooth prepared for a crown?
Your dentist will prepare the tooth by removing some of the
outer surface leaving a strong inner base. During this
preparation a local anaesthetic is used; the treatment is
comfortable and feels little different from having a filling.The
amount of tooth removed will usually equal the thickness of the
crown, roughly about 1mm. Once your tooth is prepared, the
dentist will take an impression of the shaped tooth together
with one from the opposite jaw, to record the bite.You will
then be fitted with a temporary crown for a week or two until
the permanent one has been made and can be fitted.
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How is a crown made?
The impressions of your tooth and opposite jaw are sent
to a dental laboratory where a technician will use them to
make plaster models.The crown is hand-crafted on the model
to ensure a perfect fit.The colours, shape, translucency and
fine details of your teeth are matched by building up the
porcelain in layers, using a range of shades and opacities.
The hand-made crown is then fired in a furnace and the
personalised characteristics become permanent.
How many appointments do I need to have a crown made?
It normally takes two appointments.The first is for preparing
the tooth, taking the impressions, recording the shade of your
teeth, and fitting a temporary crown.The second appointment
is for cementing the permanent crown.
What is a post crown?
A post crown is used when a tooth has been root-filled and
the remaining part of the tooth is too brittle to support a
crown on its own.The dentist prepares the tooth to take a
post. Once cemented, the post provides the support to hold
the crown securely in place.
Various types of post can be used depending upon individual
circumstances. Either prefabricated and fitted at the first
appointment or, alternatively, made from cast material such as
gold and fitted at the second appointment.Your dentist will
recommend the most suitable post.
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What is a core?
If a tooth is broken down your dentist may be able to rebuild
it using a filling material to make what is called a 'core'.This is
then prepared for the crown in the same way as a natural
tooth. It is called a pinned core if dental pins are used for
increased stability.
Does a crown look like a natural tooth?
Yes, crowns are individually made to look as natural as
possible.Your dentist records the colour and translucency
of the neighbouring teeth and the crown will be made to
match. Usually a crown will improve the shape and colour
of the original tooth. Modern porcelains can be incredibly
beautiful, life-like and long-lasting.
How long does a crown last?
A crown can last many years provided it is properly looked
after.You should brush and floss crowns in the same way as
your natural teeth.The dentist or hygienist can show you the
most effective home care techniques. Regular check-ups with
the dentist and hygienist are essential to maintain the health
of your teeth and gums.
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List Of Treatments Download Brochure
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