Dental crowns are tooth-shaped covers or “caps” that covers the tooth surfaces to strengthen or improve its appearance. Crowns usually cover the visible parts of the tooth seen above the gum but sometimes is finished slightly below.
There are three main reasons why we may recommend a crown for you:
1. Tooth Protection – There is not enough healthy tooth structure remaining and there is a high risk of you fracturing or splitting your tooth in the future.
2. Cosmetic Improvement – You have discoloured or heavily filled teeth that can be restored to their original appearance with crowns.
3. Functional Needs – Your teeth are very worn down and your “bite” has changed. The dental crowns will build up your bite and allow you to eat your food and function normally again.
Traditionally, dental crowns were made from stainless steel, full gold or non-precious metals. The next phase in their development was the porcelain fused to metal crowns. These offered a tooth-like appearance with the strength of a metal foundation. At Happy Teeth we offer all-ceramic (tooth coloured and metal-free) crowns as the first and ideal option whenever possible.
In limited cases when finances are limited or a full permanent crowns need to be deferred in the short-term (e.g. Undergoing orthodontic treatment or chronic pain management) then a Stainless steel band or acrylic crown may need to be placed to protect your tooth.