0161 445 10 10
Crowns
What is a crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped "cap" that is placed over a tooth - covering the tooth to restore its shape and size, strength, and/or to improve its appearance.The crowns, when cemented into place, fully encase the entire visible portion of a tooth above the gum line.
Crowns are made of various materials including all metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal, all resin, or all ceramic. In more recent times crowns that contain no metal have become more popular due to cosmetic demands. All-ceramic or all-porcelain dental crowns provide the best natural color match than any other crown type and may be more suitable for people with metal allergies. Metal free crowns prevent the dark appearance around the gum line that can happen with porcelain fused to metal crowns.
Why do I need a crown?
A dental crown may be needed in the following situations:
- To protect a weak tooth (for instance, from decay) from breaking or to hold together parts of a cracked tooth
- To restore an already broken tooth or a tooth that has been severely worn down
- After root canal treatment, crowns are used to strengthen the tooth which becomes brittle and prone to fracturing
- To cover and support a tooth with a large filling when there isn't a lot of tooth left
- To cover miss-shaped or severely discolored teeth
- To cover a dental implant
Crowns can be used to improve the aesthetics of your smile, but this should not be your first treatment choice as crowning involves removal of tooth substance. You should discuss with your dental practitioner if you are thinking of crowns to improve your smile.
What happens during a crown preparation appointment?
Before the process of making your crown is begun, if the tooth is still alive (vital) it will be anaesthetized (numbed). The tooth receiving the crown is filed down along the chewing surface and sides to make room for the crown. The amount removed depends on the type of crown used. If the tooth has had root canal treatment a post may be placed in the root canal to support the crown. If, on the other hand, a large area of the tooth is missing (due to decay or damage), your dentist will use filling material to "build up" a core to support the crown. After reshaping the tooth, your dentist will use impression paste or putty to make an impression of the tooth to receive the crown. Impressions of the teeth above and below the tooth to receive the dental crown will also be made to make sure that the crown will not affect your bite. The impressions are sent to a dental laboratory where the crown will be manufactured. A temporary crown will be placed until the final crown is ready.
At your following dental appointment your temporary crown will be removed and your new crown will be fitted. Your dentist will ensure your bite is correct and that you are happy with the appearance.
0161 445 1010
Dr Irfan Haque BChD
Dr John Latham BDS BSc
Ms Frances Sands Bsc OHS
| Monday - Wednesday: | 9.15 am - 5.30 pm |
| Thursday: | 9.15 am - 7.00 pm |
| Friday: | 9.15 am - 1.00 pm |
