Crowns - What are they?

Crowns (sometimes known as caps) are artificial covers which fit over teeth that have been prepared by reducing the amount of enamel. Crowns can be fitted to protect damaged or weakened teeth and to improve appearance.
Crowns can be made of yellow gold, porcelain or porcelain fused to metal depending on where the tooth is.

What is involved?

The enamel of the tooth is reduced in order to fit a crown and sufficient enamel has to be drilled away so that the crown is not bulky.

Preparation is done under local anaesthetic. An impression is taken of the prepared tooth. This is sent to the laboratory and a crown is made. A temporary crown is fitted while the definitive crown is being made.

Fig.1 Teeth re-prepared for new crowns
Fig.2 Model made from impression of teeth
Fig.3 Crowns on model
Fig.4 Inside view of crowns
Fig.5 Fit surface of crowns
Fig.6 Crowns in position