What is a dental crown?

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap placed over the original tooth, used to strengthen a weak or broken tooth and improve its appearance.

Why is a crown needed?

A crown is a strong form of tooth restoration, acting as a thimble over the tooth, working to:

• Secure a dental bridge in place
• Cover the appearance of misshapen or discoloured teeth
• Protect a weak tooth from decay or breakage
• Hold a cracked tooth together
• Restore a broken tooth that has been worn down

What are the benefits of a dental crown?

Long-lasting and durable

Dental crowns are a great long-term option to repair weakened teeth, lasting up to 15 years with a high success rate.

Tooth restoration

For teeth that are discoloured or have changed in shape, a dental crown restores the tooth back to its original size, shape and colour.

Strengthens the tooth

A crown acts to strengthen the tooth, which cannot be done with a filling alone.

Protecting the tooth

If a tooth is weak, at risk of breakage or cracked, a crown protects it by keeping the tooth together and preventing the need for extraction.

Reducing pain and discomfort

A dental crown will reduce discomfort in the mouth and improve your bite, as misshapen teeth often affect the surrounding teeth and gums.

Gaps in the teeth

If you have gaps between the teeth, a crown can be used to close these spaces and correct minor rotations and positions of the teeth.

Boosting your confidence

Fitting a crown is a simple procedure, but one that will improve your confidence and encourage you to smile more with great dental health.

Potential side effects

A dental crown has a high level of success rate, with up to 80% of dental crowns lasting for 15-20 years. However, the durability of a crown will vary depending on a person’s dental health, their daily dental care routine and the type of crown. After being fitted with a crown, the teeth may be sensitive to certain temperatures and the gumline could be tender.

How long do dental crowns last?

The longevity of a crown largely depends on the level of aftercare after the procedure. It is important to maintain excellent oral hygiene, and avoid any bad habits such as teeth grinding, teeth clenching, biting fingernails or using teeth to open packaging or chewing ice.

If you would like to discuss more about having a dental crown fitted, visit our website.