Crowns

Crowns are used to resolve a number of dental issues and are a common dental treatment. Crowns are custom made for every patient before being expertly fitted.

What is a crown?

Also known as a cap, a crown acts as a restoration for a broken or weakened tooth. Crowns can also be used to correct cosmetic issues such as a misshapen tooth or to hold a dental bridge in place.

The crown is cemented onto a prepared tooth and will be made to look and feel like a natural tooth. Crowns can also be colour-matched for a pleasing aesthetic effect.

Reasons for using a crown

If you require a crown, your Horton Dental Practice dentist will explain why and how it will help.

Below are some reasons why crowns are used and their benefits:

• A tooth is broken or worn down. The crown will protect the tooth and restore functionality
• A tooth is cracked or weakened by decay. The crown protects the tooth, preventing further damage
• If a tooth requires a large filling a crown can be used instead to protect and support what is left of the original tooth
• When a tooth is misshapen or discoloured, a crown can restore the shape and/or whiteness
• A crown acts as an anchoring system for a bridge. One or more crowns may be used depending on the type of bridge required
• Where teeth are different in size and alignment, a crown is used as an aesthetic cosmetic option

Different types of crowns

Crowns can be temporary or permanent solutions to a dental problem.

Temporary crowns are often made of acrylic or stainless steel and are used to protect a tooth until the permanent crown is ready to be fitted.

Permanent crowns can be made from various materials and our dentists will recommend the best option for you. These include:

• Metal alloys: these are extremely hard-wearing and rarely break or chip. They are made from metal alloys such as gold, palladium, nickel or chromium. They are often used on back molars where the metallic appearance is less noticeable
• Porcelain-fused-to-metal: these crowns can be colour-matched to existing teeth and have a natural appearance. These are not as durable as metal but can easily be maintained to avoid breakages or chipping
• All-resin: these are a more affordable option and can be colour-matched to existing teeth. Resin crowns are not as durable as metal or porcelain crowns and can be prone to fractures
• All-ceramic and all-porcelain: both of these crown types offer the most natural appearance compared to the other options. They are recommended for front teeth and cosmetic restorations and will be recommended by our dentists if a patient suffers from metal allergies

To arrange a consultation, please call Horton Dental Practice on020 8391 9222 or click here to contact us.