A crown is a cap that covers the entire outer surface of the tooth which is placed over a tooth and then held in place by dental adhesive or cement.
Crowns are used for several reasons:
- As a protective cover for badly decayed teeth or fractured teeth
- as a permanent restoration for teeth with large fillings or root fillings
- To correct minor problems in natural teeth like spacing and irregular shape or severe discolouration.
Crowns can be made from a variety of materials. They can be made from plastic, ceramic or metal alloys. A combination of metal and ceramic is also possible to maximise strength and simulate the appearance of natural teeth.
How does the dentist make a crown?
Fitting a crown usually involves shaping the tooth under local anesthetic and then taking an impression using a rubber-like material. The impression is then sent to the laboratory along with the details of the shade to be used, and the technician makes the crown.
What happens to my teeth while the crown is being made?
While your crown is being made, the prepared tooth can be protected with a temporary crown. This is easily removed just before fitting the permanent one. In most cases, the temporary crown is in place for about two weeks.
