What is a dental crown?
The term «crown» refers both to the visible part of a natural tooth and to the artificial restoration placed on it. An artificial crown turns discoloured, broken or destroyed teeth back into an attractive smile while stabilising the tooth structure – especially important for broken or weakened teeth.
An intact root and healthy gums are prerequisites. If the root is damaged, an implant can replace it. A crown replaces or reinforces a single tooth; a bridge is a special form made of several connected crowns that replaces several missing or destroyed teeth.
How long a crown lasts depends mainly on care and on the dental laboratory. On average, such a restoration lasts about 25 years, and with good care up to 40 years or more. Costs depend on the type of crown and the effort involved.
When is a crown advisable?
Crowns can also correct misalignments or support a tooth. If part of the tooth is still intact, a partial crown may be enough: it replaces the diseased structure and rebuilds the whole chewing surface while a full crown is not yet needed. Whether a crown is right for you, we decide together based on your individual situation.
- After caries: when a filling is no longer sufficient – the crown rebuilds the tooth and protects it from further damage
- After root canal treatment: the tooth may discolour and is more prone to fracture; the crown protects and stabilises it
- For severe wear, for example from teeth grinding (bruxism): the crown improves appearance and function
Types and materials
Crowns differ in function, size, material and anchorage. Full crowns cover the whole tooth, partial crowns only part of it. Replacement crowns restore appearance and function after extensive damage; protective crowns shield the soft dentine once the enamel is lost. Anchor crowns hold bridges or partial dentures or sit on implants, where an abutment connects implant and crown, which is either cemented or screwed – a screwed crown is easier to repair.
The right material depends on the position and load of the tooth, the colour of your teeth, possible allergies, cost and your preferences.
- All-ceramic crowns: matched in colour and shape to your own teeth, biocompatible and therefore suitable for people with allergies; with a metal framework, zirconia-based or pure ceramic, especially for front teeth
- Metal-ceramic and veneered crowns: metal core with a ceramic or resin facing, durable and economical
- Metal and cast crowns: long-lasting and wear-resistant, mostly for less visible back teeth
- Gold crowns: very stable and well tolerated, with a hardness similar to natural tooth structure – mainly for back teeth
- CEREC crowns: crowns, inlays, onlays, bridges and implant crowns made directly at the practice
- Resin crowns: mostly as long-term temporaries, inexpensive but less durable and less aesthetic
Ceramic – our first choice
We recommend ceramic crowns as the first choice. Ceramic looks almost indistinguishable from natural enamel and can be matched precisely to your teeth in colour and shape. It is wear-resistant, does not discolour, is well tolerated and causes no allergies. It also lends itself to modern digital manufacturing, which allows a precise fit and quick treatment.
How treatment works
Crown treatment usually takes two to three appointments about a week apart. Modern 3D scans make the procedure precise and efficient. If you feel anxious, nitrous oxide sedation can help you stay relaxed.
- Consultation: examination and panoramic X-ray, an individual treatment plan and time for your questions
- Preparation: under local anaesthesia we remove the damaged part of the tooth; up to 60 percent of the hard tooth structure may have to be removed. A temporary crown protects the tooth until the next appointment.
- Impression and shade: a precise impression goes to the laboratory; for ceramic and veneered crowns we also determine the shade.
- Placement: we check the colour and fit of the final crown and, with a functional analysis (FAL), its position – important for extensive restorations or jaw joint problems – and fix it permanently.
- Aftercare: a check-up ensures that everything fits correctly.
After treatment
Some patients are temporarily more sensitive to heat and cold, and the new bite feels unfamiliar at first. Most get used to it quickly.
Regular care is crucial for longevity, especially at the sensitive crown margin: daily brushing, floss, interdental brushes and antibacterial mouthwash. Pain under a crown can still occur years later, for example due to an incorrectly adjusted bite or grinding at night. If discomfort persists, please come and see us.
Benefits
- Better chewing – eating without discomfort again
- Clearer speech where missing or damaged teeth affect it
- Natural appearance and an attractive smile
- Protection of the tooth underneath, especially after root canal treatment
- Long lifespan with proper care