What is a crown?

A crown, is a tooth like covering placed over a carefully prepared tooth. Crowns are created to feel and look as close to the natural tooth as possible.

When should a crown be used?

Crowns are used when the filling in a tooth is no longer providing adequate protection or function. They are used to protect the underlying tooth from cracking, splitting or chipping away. Crowns are stronger than fillings and can be shaped and coloured more like your own tooth.

What type of crowns are there?

Crowns are made of a variety of materials including gold, porcelain bonded to gold or another metal, or entirely from ceramic. Traditionally, all ceramic crowns were weaker than their metal bonded alternatives, however, recent advances in material technology enable all ceramic crowns that are of high strength. With modern materials, all ceramic crowns not only strengthen the remaining tooth but also help to restore teeth to their natural appearance.

What is a post crown?

For root treated teeth that are very badly broken down it may be necessary to insert a post into the root before it is prepared for a crown. The post is required to retain the crown in place.