Crowns overview

Crowns are used to restore heavily broken down and filled teeth to their natural appearance and function. They are also used to protect teeth that have had a root canal treatment. Treatment involves two visits, the first is for preparation and impressions of the tooth. A temporary is placed whilst the crown is made in an off-site dental laboratory. A second fit appointment is made one or two weeks afterwards where the temporary is removed and the new crown tried in and cemented onto the tooth. Crowns are made from various metals, porcelains or a combination of both.

Porcelain is made from high grade porcelain these provide natural looking restorations. The two main types of porcelain crowns are Zirconia and Emax.



This is a biocompatible material known for its strength and durability. They are considered a more aesthetic alternative to porcelain bonded crowns



This is a type of all-ceramic crown with an appealing translucent colour which is combined with extra strength and durability. This crown is made from a single block of lithium disilicate ceramic. This is a top-grade material which has been harvested for its toughness, durability and opaque qualities which makes it a highly prized crown. These are mostly used for teeth at the front of the mouth

Porcelain bonded

Porcelain fused to metal crowns (or PFM/PBC crowns) can be referred to as full-cast crowns which has porcelain fused to a metal core that covers the entire or part of the tooth. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are relatively aesthetic restorations that have been in use for more than 40 years. In one way, they combine the best of both worlds, the metal core gives the crown strength and the porcelain fused on top will give the crown good aesthetics.

Metal crowns

Metal crowns are made of cast non-precious or precious metal, a technique that has been in existence for over a hundred years and is very successful. As aesthetics has become more of a factor, the use of metal is declining. Cast precious metal crowns have no match with regard to long-term service and minimal wear to opposing teeth, their greatest advantage. They are still a very good option in the case of back teeth where a patients requirements are function only and the tooth is not visible to be an aesthetic concern. The metal is usually silver coloured though gold is still used as well.

Posts

Sometimes when a tooth has had a root canal and has been heavily broken down a post is required to provide enough retention for a crown. These posts are cemented into a root canal that has been prepared for a post hole and holds a core which the crown will go over. Posts can be made from metal or a fibre reinforced composite.

Preventive Care

Here at Slipshoe Street we put prevention of disease and maintenance of oral/dental health above all else. This can help prevent the need for treatment.