Teeth Crowns

What are teeth crowns and what does it do?

A crown is a restoration that covers, or “caps”, a tooth to restore it to its normal shape and size, strengthening and improving the appearance of a tooth. Crowns are necessary when a tooth is generally broken down and fillings won’t solve the problem. If a tooth is cracked a crown holds the tooth together to seal the cracks so the damage doesn’t get worse.

Crowns are also used to support a large filling when there isn’t enough of the tooth remaining, attach a bridge, protect weak teeth from fracturing, restore fractured teeth, or cover badly shaped or discoloured teeth.

Crowns can be made of gold but porcelain crowns, which matches your tooth colour exactly is now the most popular.  There are many different types of porcelain crown.  Empress, Inceram, Lava, Emax. to name a few.  At London Smiling we will work with you to choose the best solution for a durable beautiful result.

How long do teeth crowns take?

Crowns can take as little as ninety minutes from start to finish. There is usually a one to two week interval between your initial visit and your final outcome where a temporary crown is left on your tooth. During the interval, a customized crown is made by a specialized technician using the measurements from your initial visit.

How long does it last?

In the majority of cases teeth crowns can last 8-10years and even longer when properly looked after.

To prevent damaging or fracturing the crowns, avoid chewing hard foods, ice or other hard objects – just like you should avoid for your natural teeth.

You also want to avoid teeth grinding.

Brushing twice a day, cleaning between your teeth is vital with crowns. Floss and inter-dental cleaners (specially shaped brushes) are important tools to remove plaque from the crown area where the gum meets the tooth. Plaque in that area can cause dental decay and gum disease.

Of course, regularly visiting your dentist and hygienist to maintain your mouth will significantly reduce this possibility.