Crowns are custom-made tooth-coloured caps which are cemented onto the tooth, encasing all its surfaces. They are suitable for front or back teeth. Crowns are useful in treating discoloured, broken down, slightly misaligned or misshapen teeth, or gaps between teeth. They are appropriate when the underlying tooth is heavily filled or weakened. When the underlying tooth structure is strong and healthy, porcelain veneers may be more appropriate.
The procedure usually takes place over 2 appointments. During the first visit, your dentist will remove a thin layer from the tooth surfaces to allow room for the crown. A series of moulds will be taken of the teeth and sent to the dental laboratory where the crown is crafted to fit your teeth and your bite. High quality digital photographic images may also be taken, to enable the laboratory to achieve an excellent colour match with the other teeth, if this is what is desired. At the second visit, your dentist will cement the crown onto the tooth.