We will need to crown a tooth when the tooth structure is weak. The crown acts as a protective cap which covers the tooth. In general, dental fillings are not considered to substantially strengthen a tooth in the same way that a dental crown does, with its rigid encapsulation of the tooth. We will always resort to placing a crown when the underlying structure is extensively damage or following a root canal treatment where research shows that placing a crown will extend the number of years the tooth will survive. Crowns could be made from various materials, they may include metal or just porcelain.

Crowns can be joined together to achieve a “bridge” which will replace one or more teeth. Or they may be used to enhance the appearance or cover a very dark tooth.

A bridge made of cast metal and coated with porcelain to match the other teeth.

The process of making a crown involves a few steps, first we will be reducing the size of the tooth to make room for the crown. Then a temporary crown is made in the same day to provide good function and appearance. The next stage is to take very precise impressions of the tooth where the crown will be fitted and of the opposing dentition. These impressions are sent to the dental laboratory to make the crown. Once the crown is returned it is tried in and if found to be well fitting and aesthetically pleasing it is cemented. Crowns last for many years, and usually it is the tooth that fails and not the crown.