Crowns
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A crown is commonly referred to as a ‘cap’ and has the shape of a natural tooth. As a crown replaces the whole outside structure of the tooth, it gives the weakened tooth strength.
Porcelain
Porcelain crowns look very natural and are most often used for front teeth.
Porcelain bonded to metal
This is a very common type of crown for back teeth, as it is strong. A metal base is made and then porcelain is applied in layers over it then fused or bonded to it.
Gold
Gold is one of the oldest materials used for crowns. Today it is combined with other metal alloys to increase its strength, which makes it very hard wearing. They can be made very thinly, which means that less tooth needs to be removed than for a porcelain bonded crown. Gold crowns are very visible so are mostly kept for back teeth.
All-ceramic
This is the most modern type of crown and offers a metal-free alternative, giving the strength of a porcelain bonded crown along with the superior appearance of a porcelain crown. Conventional porcelain bonded crowns can result in an unsightly black margin around the neck of the tooth, if gums start to recede, due to the metal collar of the crown showing. Having an all-ceramic crown means you will avoid this problem. Suitable for use in all areas of the mouth, it is our cosmetic crown of choice and at Cwmbran Dental Care we are pleased to offer the ultra-cosmetic E-Max crown.
At Cwmbran Dental Care we will only place a crown if absolutely necessary, as we take a minimally invasive approach, in order to save as much of your own natural tooth substance as possible.
We first take an x-ray of the tooth to ensure that the internal structure of the tooth is intact and that there are no signs of infection.
After giving you a local anaesthetic to numb the tooth and gum, a layer of tooth structure is removed, but we make sure that we leave a strong core. The amount of tooth removed depends on the thickness of the crown, which differs depending on the material used to make it.
We then take impressions of your teeth and take a shade of the surrounding teeth so the new crown will blend in perfectly. We protect the prepared tooth with a temporary crown until your final one has been created and is ready to fit.
Once your crown is ready, the temporary crown is removed and the new one tried in, to check it fits and to allow you to see whether you are happy with the shade. It is then cemented in place with a strong dental cement.
A crown cannot decay, but it is still important to brush it using a fluoride toothpaste twice a day and clean between the teeth using floss or interdental brushes. If plaque bacteria is not removed, decay can develop around the margins of the crown where it meets the gum, or even get underneath it. This may be difficult to spot, and in the worst case scenario, the tooth may need to be extracted if it’s unrestorable. We will of course check your crowns thoroughly at your regular check-ups.
If you take proper care of your crown, including brushing and flossing twice a day, your crown should last up to 15 years. In some cases, depending on the material your crown is made from and how it is maintained, crowns can last for over 20 years.
No, the treatment shouldn’t be painful. We use local anaesthetic to ensure you are numb in the affected area before we begin treatment, ensuring you remain comfortable throughout.
No, you will be able to return to your normal daily routine immediately after your appointment. The treatment is minimally invasive and doesn’t involve surgery, so it requires no downtime. You can have a crown fitted without needing to take any time off work or changing important plans.
You may have preferences over the type of material used for your crown, especially if you are concerned with the aesthetics of your smile. If you are unsure of the type of crown best suited for you, please don’t worry. At your first appointment, we will discuss all your options in detail and come to a joint decision, factoring in your personal requirements.
