Crowns

Following the administration of our signature ‘Enjoyable Dentistry Technique™’ to minimise your discomfort, the tooth will be reshaped by removing a portion of its outer layer. This is typically about 1-2 mm to create space for the crown to fit over it. Once the tooth is properly shaped, an impression of it will be sent to a dental lab where the crown will be custom-made. You’ll have a temporary crown before your permanent one is fitted. Once the permanent crown is fitted, it will be cemented into place using dental adhesive. Our dentist will then make any necessary adjustments to ensure a proper fit and bite.

No, having a crown fitted shouldn’t be painful. The tooth is numbed with local anaesthetic before we prepare it, so you stay comfortable throughout, and our Enjoyable Dentistry Technique™ is there to keep you relaxed, which helps a lot if you tend to feel nervous.

It’s common for the tooth to feel a little sensitive to hot and cold for a few days afterwards, especially while you’re wearing a temporary crown before the permanent one is fitted. This is normal and settles quickly. If your bite feels even slightly off once the final crown is on, tell us, as it’s a quick and painless adjustment to get it feeling just right.

On average, crowns last somewhere between five and fifteen years, and often longer with good care. A lot comes down to the material used and how you look after it. Stronger materials such as zirconia tend to be at the upper end, while the way you treat your teeth day to day makes just as much difference.

The crown itself won’t decay, but the natural tooth underneath and the gum around it still can, so brushing, cleaning between your teeth and regular check-ups all help your crown last. Grinding your teeth or biting hard objects can shorten its life, so a night guard is worth considering if you grind in your sleep. When a crown does eventually wear, loosen or show decay at the edge, it’s straightforward to replace.

Crowns can be made from several materials, and we’ll recommend the one that best suits the tooth in question. For teeth that show when you smile, we use tooth-coloured porcelain and ceramic, which reflect light much like natural enamel and blend in seamlessly with your other teeth. For back teeth that take heavier chewing forces, a stronger material such as zirconia can be a better choice, as it combines a natural look with real durability.

Modern crowns are made with precise digital scanning and skilled lab work, which gives a close, comfortable fit and a colour matched to your own teeth.

Dental crowns are recommended for patients with severely decayed or damaged teeth that cannot be repaired with fillings or other dental treatments. Additionally, dental crowns may be used to protect weakened teeth after root canal therapy or to improve the appearance of misshapen or discoloured teeth.

Yes. Crowns are one of the most common and well-established treatments in dentistry, and they’re very safe when fitted by an experienced dentist. They’re often the treatment that saves a badly damaged tooth, protecting what’s left and letting you eat and smile normally again.

To be straightforward with you, preparing a tooth for a crown does involve reshaping it and removing a little of the natural tooth, which can’t be undone, so it isn’t something we’d suggest unless it’s genuinely the right option. Any minor sensitivity afterwards usually settles on its own. We’ll always explain why a crown is being recommended and what it involves, so you can go ahead feeling fully informed.