Treatment

Crowns

CROWNS

Here at Hewett’s Dental we have something unique in our approach to making crowns. We can make them on site on the same day using our 3D scanner to make a virtual model of your tooth and then mill the crown using our state of the art milling machine. This is something that is not usually available at the majority of practices.

The crown is designed to fit snugly over the remaining portion of the natural tooth and can be made from a variety of materials such as porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys and zirconia. Although most patients go for white porcelain for aesthetics nowadays. Your dentist can go over your options with you.
Crowns are often recommended for teeth that have been damaged by decay, fractures, or large fillings, or for teeth that have had Root Canal Treatment. They can also be used to improve the appearance of discoloured or misshapen teeth, or to hold a dental bridge in place. With proper care, a dental crown can last between 10-20 years and help to preserve the natural tooth beneath.

Check out the video which explains crowns in more detail and showcases some of our work here at Hewett’s Dental.

2-4

Hours

TREATMENT
TIME

YES

ANAESTHETIC
REQUIRED

1

Session
REQUIRED

Why would I need a crown?

Crowns are an ideal restoration for teeth that have been broken, or have been weakened by decay or a very large filling. A crown could be used for a number of other reasons, for instance:

You may have discoloured fillings/tilted teeth and would like to improve the appearance of the tooth.
You may have had a root filling which will need a crown to protect what is left of the tooth.

What is a crown made of?

Crowns can be made of a variety of different materials and new materials are continually being introduced.

Metal: Available in silver/gold with varying amounts of precious metal content. The higher the percentage of precious metal, the higher the quality of the crown.Metal crowns are hardwearing and robust.

Porcelain and metal: this is what most crowns are made from. A metal base is made and then porcelain is applied in layers over it to make it appear like a tooth. The more precious the metal, and the more time taken by the technician, the greater the quality of the crown.

All-ceramic crowns: this modern technique offers a metal-free alternative, which can give strength close to that of a metal crown with a very realistic appearance. These crowns can mimic the true translucency and colour of natural teeth. These types of crowns are commonly seen on smile makeover programmes.

How is a crown prepared?

First, the dentist will prepare the tooth to make it the ideal shape for the crown. Local anaesthetic (by injection) is used to numb the tooth to make the procedure comfortable. 1-2mm of the outer surface of the tooth is removed, leaving a strong inner core. Once the tooth is shaped, the dentist will take an impression (mould) of the prepared tooth and a temporary cover is made to cover the tooth. The impression is then sent to laboratory and a technician will use it to make a mould of the tooth. He will make a wax template of the tooth and metal is melted onto the surface and followed by layers of porcelain if a white crown is being made. The better materials the technician uses and the more time spent increases the quality of the crown (e.g metal free crowns).

What is a post crown?

In root-filled teeth it may be necessary to insert a metal ‘post’ before placing a crown. The post is needed when there is not a lot of tooth remaining to hold the crown.

What will happen between visits?

A temporary crown will be made so that you can use the tooth while you wait for your new crown. It will not look and feel like the final crown, but it is only a temporary measure. If the temporary comes loose and your appointment is several days away, you may need it re-cementing.

There may also be some temporary sensitivity following any treatment and crowns are no exception.

What is an Emax Crowns

This is a type of all-ceramic crown with an appealing
translucent colour which is combined with extra strength and durability.

This crown is made from a single block of lithium disilicate ceramic: this is a top grade material which has been harvested for its toughness, durability and opaque qualities which makes it a highly prized crown. Plus it is considered a breakthrough in dental crown technology. You get a glass ceramic crown which is tough and enduring but delicate in appearance.

The E-Max crown is a type of all-ceramic crown which is preferred for its longer lasting, aesthetic qualities. This crown and the Zirconia crown are worn due to their highly attractive appearance which ensures that they compliment the rest of your teeth. It is considered a good option for damaged, stained or poor quality teeth.