Patient Video Testimonial
Central London Dentist for Dental Crowns
A dental crown is also sometimes referred to as a ‘cap’. It is custom – made in a dental laboratory by a skilled technician to be an exact fit for your tooth.
Partial crowns (also known as onlays) are also possible. Sometimes it can be better to have an onlay.
A crown can be used for many situations:
- when a tooth has become particularly weak and is no longer repairable by filling it. In many cases the tooth would simply break if it were to be filled. A crown will restore the strength of the tooth.
- to hold a dental bridge / denture in place -to mask badly a discoloured tooth.
- to place onto a dental implant where an original tooth has been lost.
- to protect a tooth after root canal treatment
- to align teeth that are out of place
- for a smile makeover
There are a variety of material used for various crowns:
- Porcelain bonded to metal. These are very strong but can show a metal line if your gums recede and look a bit dull due to metal being underneath
- All ceramic crowns. Are metal free and very strong. As there is no metal to dull the appearance, they can look very natural like the rest of your teeth.
- Gold/metal crowns. Are very strong and resilient but will look different to your natural teeth
Initially, a consultation will be required where the dentist will assess you. One visit is required to prepare the tooth, take an impression and place a temporary restoration. The second appointment is usually 7-14 days later to fit the crown. In between these visits, you may need to go and meet the technician who will ensure the colour matches correctly.
There should be no pain felt during the procedure as the surrounding area will be anaesthetised leaving it numb.
The life span of a crown depends on many factors such as the type and the wear and tear it receives as well as the oral health regime followed by its wearer. It is reasonable though to expect one to last between five and fifteen years (possibly more). To assure a longer life span, it is strongly advised not to grind your teeth or use excessive force on them in any other way. Naturally, a good regime of brushing and flossing should also be followed.
Sometimes it is possible to have an onlay instead of a crown. An onlay is particularly useful to repair a broken tooth. It is like a 3D jigsaw piece custom made to fit your tooth.
The advantage of the onlay over the crown is that less tooth tissue needs to be removed with an onlay. Your dentist will advise you what is best for you.
If you are searching for affordable, high quality dental crowns in the London areas of Holborn and The City, within easy reach of Kings Cross and Euston stations.
