crowns

problem: I want to change my teeth to enhance my smile and look natural

Crowns were used originally as a last resort over heavily filled, root-treated, or badly broken down teeth. Today crowns or caps are used to change the colour, shape, and position of the teeth. Crowns are tooth-shaped, thimble-like covers made to fit over prepared teeth or implants to restore natural function and aesthetics. They are made in a variety of materials such as plastic, stainless steel, brass, gold, porcelain, or bonded porcelain to metal.  Porcelain has the best aesthetics and looks most natural.

We like to make our crowns out of e-max porcelain, which is one of the new generation ultra-strong porcelains that give great strength and wonderful natural appearance to restored teeth. We do use other materials as well. Porcelain crowns can be cemented onto the prepared tooth or bonded to the tooth.

Crowns are made by the removal of all old filling material, decay and weakened tooth material. A core may then be built to replace the missing tooth material and then moulds (impressions) are taken and sent to the dental technician who makes the crown that is fitted by the dentist. Crowns have been placed on teeth throughout history. Modern crowns are very successful.

Advantages: Weak, heavily filled or badly broken down teeth are covered and protected by crowns. The bite can be adjusted using crowns, and the appearance of the mouth and teeth can be enhanced and changed. Crowns look natural and add strength and beauty to the teeth. Crowns are also an easy method of changing the appearance of the teeth. Crowns and bridges are long-lasting and have been used for many years.

Disadvantages: In many cases crowns are a last resort treatment and can only be replaced with new crowns or the loss of the tooth. Crowns may dislodge, but they can be recemented. Crowns may break and are not repairable, so need to be remade. The process of having a crown is irreversible.