Prosthodontics & Dental Crowns

Crown, simply explained

A crown is a precision-made cover that sits over the tooth above the gum. It rebuilds the original shape, supports everyday biting, and seals weak areas so the tooth stays protected. We suggest a crown when:

• a tooth is cracked or badly worn; 
• a big filling no longer copes with chewing; 
• the tooth has had a root canal and needs reinforcement; 
• an implant needs its visible “tooth” on top. 

Think of it as a long-term shield that looks and functions like a real tooth.

Materials: choosing what suits your tooth

No two mouths are the same, so we pick the material with you. We consider where the tooth sits, how strong your bite is, any grinding or clenching, and what you want the tooth to look like in daylight photos and real life.

E-max (lithium disilicate, all-ceramic)

• Where it shines: Front teeth and visible premolars where a lifelike look matters. 
• Why many choose it: Translucency and colour depth that mimic natural enamel. 
• Good to know: Strong for daily use. Heavy grinders may still need a night guard. 

Zirconia (all-ceramic, very strong)

• Where it shines: Molars and strong bites. 
• Why many choose it: Outstanding strength, biocompatible, now available in very natural shades. 
• Good to know: Modern translucent zirconia looks excellent; on the very front tooth E-max can still offer extra “glassiness.” 

Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM)

• Where it shines: Specific bite patterns and some bridge designs that benefit from a metal core. 
• Why many choose it: Decades of reliable performance. 
• Good to know: Can look very natural. In thin gums a faint grey line can appear at the edge over time, which is why we often use all-ceramic in the smile zone. 

Full metal (often high-gold alloy)

• Where it shines: Out-of-sight molars when maximum durability and minimal tooth reduction are top priorities. 
• Why many choose it: Extremely long-lasting and gentle on the opposing tooth. 
• Good to know: Metallic colour, so it is chosen for function rather than looks. Hypoallergenic, nickel-free alloys are available. 

Implant crowns
We shape implant crowns for easy cleaning and healthy gums. When anatomy allows, we favour screw-retained designs for simple maintenance and no hidden cement. If a cemented crown is better for you, we use careful techniques to protect the gum.

Other points that help us decide together

• Grinding or clenching: We lean towards zirconia or full metal and often recommend a night guard. 
• Single front tooth match: Shade, texture and tiny surface features matter; E-max or highly translucent zirconia are common. We take calibrated photos for the lab. 
• Whitening plans: Whiten first, then match the crown. Ceramics do not lighten later. 
• Monolithic vs layered: One-piece crowns maximise strength. In the smile zone, hand-layered porcelain can add extra depth. 
• Sensitivity or allergies: Metal-free options are available; where metal is indicated, we can select hypoallergenic alloys. 

From first visit to final fit

1. Assessment and planning
   Examination, photos and X-rays if needed. If there is deep or lingering pain, our endodontist checks the nerve first. We only recommend a crown when it is the right solution. 
2. Records and colour match
   Digital scans or precise impressions, bite registration, and photographs so the lab can copy the shade and character of your enamel. 
3. Tooth shaping
   Gentle, minimal reduction under magnification. We keep as much healthy structure as possible and create smooth margins that are kind to gums. 
4. Provisional crown
   You leave with a tidy temporary that protects the tooth and lets us test comfort and bite. 
5. Laboratory artistry
   Technicians craft the shape, surface texture and gloss so light reflects like natural tooth enamel. 
6. Try-in and adjustments
   We fine-tune contacts and bite until chewing feels natural. 
7. Final placement
   The crown is secured with the correct adhesive or cement for that material. We clean carefully around the edges. 
8. Review
   Simple instructions and a quick check. Most people say the tooth feels normal within days. 

Comfort, aftercare and quick tips

During and after your visit: You will be comfortable during treatment. Mild tenderness for a day or two is common and settles on its own.
Right after your appointment: Wait for the numbness to wear off before hot drinks or meals; choose softer foods for the first day.
If you have a provisional crown: Brush normally and slide floss out sideways. Avoid sticky or very hard foods and contact us if it loosens.
After the final fit: Brief sensitivity to cold or pressure can occur. If your bite feels even slightly high, come in for a quick adjustment.
Pain relief and home care: Simple over-the-counter pain relief and warm salt-water rinses usually help. Keep the area very clean with twice-daily brushing and daily flossing or interdental brushes.
Habits that protect your crown: Avoid chewing ice or very hard or sticky foods, and do not use teeth as tools. Wear a night guard if you grind.
When to contact us: Get in touch if pain worsens after 48–72 hours, you notice swelling or night pain, or the crown feels loose, sharp or high.

How long does a crown last?

With good daily care and routine hygiene visits, crowns commonly serve 10 to 15 years and often longer. A night guard protects both the crown and your natural teeth if you clench or grind. Periodic reviews keep everything feeling right.

Possible downsides

All dental care carries some risk. With crowns, the main ones are short-term sensitivity after preparation or fitting, irritation of the nerve in very deep cases that can sometimes lead to later root canal treatment, ceramic chipping if the tooth is overloaded or grinding is uncontrolled, and gum irritation if plaque collects at the crown edge. We always discuss conservative alternatives first. If whitening, bonding or a veneer would meet your goal, we will recommend it.

Crowns, orthodontics and implants: getting the order right

If you are straightening teeth, we usually fit the final crown after tooth movement is complete so contacts and edges are in the ideal position. For implants, we plan the implant crown together with the surgeon from the start so the gum shape and cleaning access are right.

How we work, and why it matters

• Conservative dentistry: we preserve sound tooth wherever possible. 
• Accurate colour matching: photos and shade guides instead of guesswork. 
• Clean technique: rubber-dam isolation and modern bonding when indicated. 
• Magnification: smooth, precise margins that respect the gums. 
• Team care: endodontics, periodontics, orthodontics and implants coordinated under one roof when needed. 

This is our everyday standard at TRUE SMILE. We explain clearly, move at your pace, and plan for results that last.