Dental crowns

What are dental crowns?

Dental crowns and bridges are used to restore the shape, function and appearance of natural teeth. In most cases, it is impossible to make the distinction between the restoration and patients’ teeth.

We fit dental crowns as prosthetic coverings to those teeth that no longer possess enough integrity to support fillings. They are an ideal way to repair broken teeth or teeth weakened by decay or a large filling.

Preparation of dental crowns

Our dentists will sculpture a suitable bonding bed on the tooth we are restoring. This involves us removing a layer of the outer surface, leaving a strong inner core. The amount of the tooth drilled away will usually be the same as the thickness of the crown.

We take an impression of the prepared site and surrounding bite from which the dental technicians can make the crown.

To preserve our dental preparation work we fit a temporary crown while we make the final one in our laboratory.

What is a dental crown made of?

Dental crowns are made of a variety of materials and as dentistry evolves new manufacturing options are continually being introduced.

The normal range of crown materials include:

Porcelain bonded to precious metal – the most commonly used dental crown. Here a precious metal base is made, and then porcelain is applied in layers over it.

Porcelain – these dental crowns are metal free and are made entirely out of porcelain. They look very natural and we favour them for use on front teeth.

All-ceramic – a modern technique that also offers a metal-free prosthetic. It has the strength of a bonded crown and the appearance of a porcelain crown.

Glass – these can be used anywhere in the mouth and aesthetically are excellent.

Gold-alloy – one of the oldest options. These can be gold or silver in colour and are very strong.

Give us a call 01384 254067

Need our help?

What is a post crown?

In root-filled teeth, it may be necessary to cement a post into the tooth root before placing a dental crown. The post gives additional support and helps the crown to stay in place.

A prefabricated stainless steel post can be fitted directly into the root canal, but occasionally a custom-made post to accurately match the shape of the prepared root site needs to be constructed.

How many appointments?

The complete dental crown restoration takes typically at least two visits to our Clinic in Dudley. However, if you need root canal therapy on the crowned tooth, more appointments may be required.

How is the crown fixed?

When our dentists are completely happy with the fit and appearance of the new dental crown, we will fix it into place with dental cement.

Caring for a dental crown

A dental crown cannot decay, but problems can emerge where the edge of the crown joins the tooth and around the gum line if oral hygiene is poor. A regular brushing and flossing regime is required. Properly cared for, dental crowns should last for many years.

Want to know more about dental crowns?

Come and have a consultation with North Street Dental in Dudley, West Midlands. To arrange your consultation call us on 01384 254 067 or email us from the contact page.

As usual, professional and friendly staff. Would advise anyone who’s in need of dental work to get in touch with North Street Dental practice.

Paul H

Always been a good experience at this practice, friendly, professional, make you feel comfortable and relaxed.

Bert S

Lovely, clean and safe as always. Staff are friendly and helpful, can’t fault it really, been attending for around 5 years, wouldn’t go anywhere else. Owain Reece is an amazing dentist.

Karen P

Read more independently verified reviews on Working Feedback

Call Now Button