Crowns strengthen and protect the structure of a damaged tooth and can improve the appearance of your teeth. They can be made from different materials, including full porcelain, porcelain fused-to-metal, or all-metal crown. You and your dentist will decide which type is appropriate, depending upon the strength requirements and aesthetic concerns of the tooth involved.
You may need one if you have:
• A previously filled tooth where there is now more filling than tooth. The existing tooth structure becomes weakened and can no longer support the filling
• Extensive damage by decay
• Discolouration and compromised aesthetics
• Root canal - After root canal treatment, teeth tend to become weakened and are more prone to fracture, so they may need to be protected by a crown
• Bridges - When missing teeth are replaced with a bridge, the adjacent teeth require crowns in order to support the replacement teeth
About the procedure: Fitting a crown usually requires two appointments. At your first visit, the tooth is prepared for the crown, an impression or mould is made of the tooth, and a temporary crown is placed over the prepared tooth. At your second visit, the temporary crown is removed and the final crown is fitted, adjusted and cemented into place.
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