The crown of a tooth is the part that is normally visible above the gum. When this is broken or heavily filled it can be reinforced by covering it with an artificial crown.
Crowns may be made from gold or porcelain or, in cases where both strength and appearance are required, a combination of the two.
Method: The tooth is numbed and then prepared by trimming the tooth on top and around the edge. This is so that when the new crown is fitted it does not appear bulky.
An impression of the tooth is then taken using a putty-like material. This is sent to the laboratory where a technician then makes the crown by hand. The finished crown is glued into place at a second appointment, about two weeks later.
Crowns are strong and porcelain ones are colour-matched to the other teeth, so look very natural. They can be used to improve the appearance of discoloured or misshapen teeth and, when looked after, crowns can last for many years.
About 25% of crowned teeth need to be root filled. This is more easily done before a crown is fitted. Crowns are time consuming to make and so are more expensive than regular fillings.
Before:
After (One gold crown and one porcelain bonded to metal crown):