Crowns are also known as ‘caps’, their primary purpose is to act as a splint to provide strength and support to a weakened tooth. They are also used to lengthen a tooth that is too short.

They are made of different metals fused to porcelain, varying from non precious to gold alloys.

Crowns can improve the appearance of a tooth, but dentists do not generally recommend a crown as a part of cosmetic dentistry; as part of the natural tooth must be first cut away and used as a base to support the crown.

The ‘capping’ procedure will take several appointments, the first being a diagnostic visit, the second will be for preparation of the tooth; shaving some of the tooth away to form the base for the crown to sit upon. If it is a porcelain crown that you choose at this point in time, the dentist will select a shade to match your surrounding teeth.

Once the base is prepared, a replica mould will be taken of your tooth to match that of the original, for size and shape. It will then be sent off to the laboratory, within a few days your third appointment will be for the fitting of the crown, here adjustments will be made as necessary, if not; the crown can be cemented into place over your natural tooth.

In special cases, or in urgent conditions, due to that of the patient; the appointments can be arranged into two longer sessions.

The end result is a strong sturdy splint for your weakened tooth that has the look and feel of a natural tooth.

A crown must follow a RCT (Root Canal Treatment), as it becomes fragile.