Crowns are an ideal way of restoring teeth which are broken, have an unsightly filling or are are weak and decayed. The crown fits over the shaped remainder of the tooth and are sometimes called "caps"

• the tooth may be weakened by a large filling

• discoloured fillings spoiling the tooth's appearance

• a root filled tooth needing protection by crown

• Porcelain bonded to precious metal: a metal core for strength with layers of porcelain fused to it

• Porcelain: No metal core, weaker but easier to produce "lifelike" appearance

• Dentine Bonded: Special strong porcelain allowing very little "cutting" of the tooth with very good appearance (not available on NHS)

• Gold/Precious metal: Used on back teeth where great strength is needed

This involves removing enough tooth tissue to allow room for the crown when fitted (a local anaesthetic is needed if the tooth is still alive) The amount removed varies with the type of crown (Dentine bonded require the least tooth removal)  Impressions are taken, top and bottom, to allow the technician to craft the crown in the laboratory, a very skilled and artful job. A temporary plastic crown is fitted , the shades available are limited and may not match your own teeth exactly but are only temporary until the crown is made, about 2 weeks.

About 40 minutes for tooth preparation, impressions and fitting the temporary crown. About 2 weeks for the technician to make the crown (this time can be reduced if the technician is paid a private fee.

A post is a metal support used to help hold the crown to the tooth. It is only needed where the tooth is root filled and badly broken.

With correct care the crown will last many years, however the gum above the crown will shrink and the join begin to show with advancing years needing its replacement several times in ones lifetime.

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