Teeth that are decayed, injured or damaged in any way can be effectively strengthened through the use of dental crowns. They are also sometimes referred to as caps, due to the fact that they are fitted to the top of an existing tooth. They have been specifically designed to duplicate the look of a natural tooth and can give your smile an aesthetic boost.

Different materials used

Crowns may be constructed from a number of materials and new ones are being discovered constantly. They can be constructed from gold, ceramic, or another precious metal, which is then fixed to porcelain and metal. Although a full porcelain crown looks good, it is not the best option for many people. Metal crowns will often be the best solution for teeth at the back of the mouth as they will need to tolerate a large amount of pressure. The kind of crown used most frequently is made of metal fused with porcelain.

Resemble natural teeth

The difference between the natural tooth and the crown will not be noticeable. They have been designed to resemble natural teeth exactly and the shade will have been matched to the other surrounding teeth to ensure it fits in with them. While the permanent crown is being constructed, temporary crowns will be fitted that are more noticeable, but will only be there for about two weeks.

Normally, the crown will require two dental appointments to be fitted, with roughly two weeks in between.

Any decay that is near the pulp tissue may need to be removed in order to halt the onset of damage or decay in the teeth.

If crowns are taken care of they will last for a few years. There is no danger of the actual crown decaying, although the area where the natural tooth and the crown meet could be at risk of decay. To prevent this, you will need to attend regular check-ups at the dentist and maintain a good dental hygiene routine. If you would like more information about dental crowns then do contact the team at City Dental in the heart of Leeds.

At City Dental Leeds, we like to treat every client like a VIP and our crowns are just the ticket for those looking for a regal finish to their smile. If you’re interested in porcelain crowns fit for a king, look no further!

About dental crowns

At dental crown is a type of restoration used to treat decayed or damaged teeth. They sit over the top of the tooth to provide greater strength and enhance tooth functionality. Crowns are sometimes known as caps and they can be made from various materials, including precious metals, ceramics and porcelain.

You may be advised to have a crown if:

• you have damaged your tooth in an accident

• you’ve suffered a dental injury

• you have had a large filling in the past

• the tooth is severely decayed or you have an infection that has spread to the pulp tissue (a new crown is usually placed following root canal treatment in this case)

• bridgework or dental implant treatment has been carried out

How is a crown fitted?

The procedure to fit a crown usually spans two sessions. The first session is used to prepare the tooth and create the impression for the crown, while the second session is used to fit the crown. Each crown is custom-made to ensure that it fits perfectly over the top of the existing tooth structure and we recommend porcelain crowns for a completely natural looking finish.

How long should a crown last?

Crowns are not built to last a lifetime, but they should last for several years. It’s important to look after your crowned tooth in the same way as your other teeth. If you care for your crown well, it should last up to 10 years.