Crowns by Liverpool Dentist HX Dental
1) Introduction to Crowns
2) What are crowns made of?
3) How are Crowns fitted to my teeth?
4) How long do Crowns last?
5) Which teeth can be crowned?
6) What are the alternatives to Crowns?
7) How much do Crowns cost?
Introduction to Crowns
Crowns or caps as you may have heard them called
are a very successful way of restoring heavily restored or broken
teeth. They can be used on almost any teeth, and if properly maintained
will last for many years.
Crowns can also be used very successfully to straighten mildly
crowded, crooked teeth (see picture gallery) Before we can be certain
this is the best treatment for your teeth we prepare models
of your teeth and make “trial” crowns on these. This
way we can show you how we can change your teeth, and what the
end result will be, so we can both be sure that we can deliver
to you the improvement you desire.
Sometimes if a tooth has no nerve in it, a post
crown is the treatment of choice. The main difference here is that
a post is placed in the root of the tooth before a crown is provided.
Posts have always traditionally been made from gold alloy, they
were very successful but if a modern all porcelain crown is used
then some darkness can be visible through the crown. Post technology
has now moved on and they can now be made of “fibreglass”
which avoids the dark of the inside showing through the crown.
What are crowns made of?
The most common crown used to be a porcelain fused
to metal crown. In this type of crown the inside is made from a
metal alloy and a layer of porcelain is used to cover the surface.
These crowns work very well; they are very strong and can last many
years. The biggest disadvantage of crowns like these is the metal
core. This stops them looking natural and is the cause of the grey
edge that is often seen on this type of crown.
Natural teeth are translucent and allow light
to pass through them. The latest all porcelain crowns are much more
lifelike, look more natural, contain no metal and mimic the natural
translucency of your tooth.
A wide range of all porcelain crowns are now available. The specific
type chosen depends on the area of your mouth which needs the crown.
Back teeth need stronger crowns than front teeth. The type which
most suits your teeth can only be decided after an examination.
How are Crowns fitted to my teeth?
The preparation for a crown is similar for all
the different types, after a discussion with you about the type
of crown we are going to make, the tooth is very carefully shaped
at your first appointment. An impression is taken and a custom made
temporary crown is made to fit your tooth. The colour and any characteristics
of your new crown are also decided at this appointment. We often
ask you to bring photographs of your teeth with you to this appointment
so we can ensure your new crown will match your teeth perfectly.
At the next appointment we try your new crowns
in and check they look good and fit well. If we think they look
as good as they should we bond them permanently onto your teeth.
How long do Crowns last?
This is always the most difficult question
to answer as it mostly depends upon how well you look after them.
We have patients who have crowns which we fitted over twenty years
ago. If well maintained then you should expect a crown to last 10-15
years, after which time they may need replacing due to normal wear
and tear, and discolouration of your teeth next to the crown (See
tooth whitening)
We always check with you if you play any contact
sports and recommend a custom mouthguard to protect your crowns
if you do.
Which teeth can be crowned?
Almost any teeth can have crown put on them, and
with the modern posts now available we can crown teeth which are
broken almost to gum level.
Whether a crown is the right treatment for your
tooth will be discussed with you at the treatment planning visit.
How much do crowns cost?
Prices vary and depend on the type of crown and
material chosen. The latest all porcelain crowns for example Procera,
Lava and Empress cost more than a metal containing crown. Typical
prices range from £225 -£350.
If extra items e.g. posts are required these
are charged in addition to the above prices. A typical post will
cost £40-£50.
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