Designed to blend with natural teeth, crowns can restore a patient’s ability to chew and speak properly while also improving the appearance of their smile.
Typically crafted from porcelain or metal (or a blend of both), crowns are basically a tooth-shaped cap. They are fitted over the remains of damaged or decayed teeth and can remedy problems caused by missing teeth.
Crowns reinforce teeth that have been damaged in some way. They restore strength and function to such teeth while also improving aesthetics by restoring size and shape.
For a crown to be fitted, your dentist will first have to prepare what remains of the damaged tooth. The tooth may need to be shaped, with a mould then taken to make sure the crown is a perfect fit. Local anaesthetic is used to minimise discomfort, with the procedure often described as feeling similar to having a filling.
With correct care, crowns can last for many years before they need replacing.
