What is a crown?

Crowns are ideal for rebuilding teeth that have been damaged by caries or large fillings. The crown is adjusted over the rest of the tooth and the crown gives the tooth back support and the shape of the natural tooth. Crowns are often referred to as caps.

Why do I need a crown?

There are a number of reasons such as:

1. The condition of the teeth was weakened by a large filling
2. The fillings have discolored and the appearance of the tooth should be improved.
3. To protect a root filling
4. An accident damaged a tooth
5. It can provide a support for a bridge or dentures

What are  crowns made of?

  Crowns are made from its range of materials and new materials are constantly being introduced.   Here are a few examples of which materials are currently used:

1. Porcelain in combination with a precious metal: this compound is used for most crowns. The basic structure is made of metal which is then covered with porcelain. 
2. Porcelain: these crowns are not as resistant as the metal-based crowns, but they look the most natural and are mostly used for the front teeth.
3. Porcelain with composite: Porcelain and resin composite often look the most natural. However, these crowns are not as resilient as the crowns of porcelain and metal. 
4. Glass: these crowns look very natural, they are used for both the front teeth and molars.
5. Valuable metal (gold or palladium): these crowns are highly resilient and resistant, but are usually not used for the anterior region where they are visually perceived.

How is a tooth prepared?

The dentist will prepare the tooth for the ideal form of adaptation to the crown. This means the removal of a large part of the outer tooth until only a strong tooth core remains. The amount of tooth removed corresponds to the inner surface of the crown.   After the tooth has been prepared and shaped, the dentist will take an impression of the tooth,  an impression of the opposite jaw and an impression when the teeth meet to determine the "bite". The impressions are handed over to a technician who then makes the crown

Who creates the crown?

  The impressions and other information such as the coloration of the teeth are handed over to a technician who is able to create such crowns. This will cast  a model from the impression and the crown will be built on the model so that the crown fits perfectly.

Will you notice the crown?

No. The crown is fitted exactly to the teeth.  The coloration of the adjacent teeth is determined so that the crown also gets a natural coloration. A temporary crown is usually made of plastic so that it lasts from the beginning to the end of the treatment.  These temporary crowns are more likely to be noticed, but they do not remain in the patient's mouth for more than 1 – 2 weeks.

How long does the treatment take?

At least two visits are necessary: the first visit is for preparations such as impression, color determination and adjustment of the temporary crown and the second session to adjust the final crown.

Does preparing for a crown cause pain?

  No, it is not. Local anesthesia will be used and it will feel like getting a filling. If the tooth no longer has a nerve, anesthesia may be dispensed with.  

How long will the crown last?

The durability depends on the care. The crown itself may not decay, but tooth decay can cause damage between the tooth and the crown.  It is therefore very important to take good care of these areas, otherwise caries endangers the hold of the crown. Well-maintained  crowns will last for many years – your dentist will be able to tell you how long the crowns will last.

How are  crowns attached to the teeth?

  When the appearance and fit has been checked and they have given their consent, it is fastened with dental cement. The cement will seal the tooth and provide a firm hold.

Will the crown feel different?

The  shape of a crown will be a little different from the original shape but you probably won't notice it. After a few days, everything will feel normal and nothing will feel foreign anymore.  The crown may need to be adjusted a little if the tooth feels a little higher than the adjacent teeth. If it feels somehow uncomfortable, consult your dentist so that he can make the adjustments. 

Are there alternatives to a crown?

A so-called veneer is an alternative for the front teeth. A veneer is a wafer-thin, translucent ceramic shell for the teeth, which is applied to the tooth surface - especially of front teeth - with special adhesive. The adhesive shell is made of ceramic (porcelain).  Your dentist will advise you on viable alternatives