Porcelain Crowns

What is it? A Porcelain Crown or cover is made to protect a damaged tooth. This is the newest type of dental crown and when placed on the tooth changes the appearance so it becomes difficult to tell it has been fitted.

Why is it done? A Porcelain Crown is usually required when a cusp of a tooth has broken off, a large old filling becomes dislodged or a large portion of tooth decay occurs, or to protect a root treated tooth. A crown is used to restore appearance or strengthen a tooth.

Porcelain or Gold Tooth Crowns

Porcelain / Gold crowns
A crown is a progression from a veneer, where the whole tooth (above the gum), is shaved down by approximately 1-2 mm all over. This depth varies depending on the type of crown being used and the part of tooth being shaved down. In general gold crowns last longer than porcelain crowns. Once the tooth has been shaved down an impression is taken of the tooth, which is sent to a laboratory. From the impression the laboratory makes a crown, which the dentist cements onto the tooth. This whole procedure usually takes about 2 weeks.

Common reasons why you may need a crown:
• Crowns cover the tooth preventing any more tooth from breaking off.
• Cosmetic reasons, such as discoloured fillings.
• To protect a root-filling.

Here you can see the difference in the quality of laboratory work. A simple crown (1) and one that is made by a world class porcelain artist (2). The crown marked no. 2 is barely perceptible from the natural tooth next door. It takes an immense amount of time and skill to produce such a work of art. Believe it or not this is a crown!