Dental Crowns in Essex & Thurrock

What Are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns, also known as tooth crowns or dental caps, are prosthetic restorations that are designed to cover a damaged, weakened, or aesthetically flawed tooth. They serve both functional and cosmetic purposes by restoring the tooth’s strength, shape, and appearance.

There are several types of dental crowns, each with its own advantages:

1. Porcelain Crowns: Porcelain crowns are known for their natural appearance and translucency, making them an excellent choice for front teeth. They can be colour-matched to your surrounding teeth for a seamless blend.
2. Metal Crowns: Metal crowns, often made of alloys like gold, provide exceptional durability and strength. They are less likely to chip or break, making them suitable for molars that endure heavy chewing forces.
3. Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns: PFM crowns combine the strength of a metal core with the aesthetics of porcelain. They offer a balance between durability and a natural appearance.
4. All-Ceramic or All-Porcelain Crowns: These crowns are entirely made of porcelain or ceramic materials. They are an excellent choice for those who desire both strength and a lifelike appearance.
5. Zirconia Crowns: Zirconia crowns are known for their durability and biocompatibility. They are highly resistant to wear and fractures, making them suitable for both front and back teeth.
6. Temporary Crowns: These crowns are typically used as a short-term solution while a permanent crown is being fabricated. They provide protection to the prepared tooth until the final restoration is ready.

The choice of crown type depends on various factors, including the location of the tooth, your budget, and your aesthetic preferences. Our dentists will carefully assess your specific needs and recommend the most suitable crown type for your situation.

Who Need Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are recommended for individuals who have various dental issues that can be effectively addressed through the placement of a crown. Those who may benefit from dental crowns include:

1. Patients with Damaged Teeth: If you have teeth that are severely chipped, cracked, or fractured, dental crowns can provide the necessary protection and reinforcement to restore their strength and function.
2. Teeth with Large Fillings: Teeth that have large fillings or extensive decay may require crowns to provide additional support and prevent further damage.
3. Post-Root Canal Treatment: After a root canal procedure, teeth can become weakened and more prone to fracture. Crowns are often placed on such teeth to strengthen them and seal the treated tooth against reinfection.
4. Cosmetic Improvements: Crowns can be used to improve the appearance of teeth that are discoloured, misshapen, or have other aesthetic issues. They offer a natural and attractive look.
5. To Protect Weak Teeth: Teeth weakened by age, wear, or grinding can benefit from crowns, which act as a protective shield to prevent further damage.
6. Replacing Large Fillings: When an old and large filling needs replacement, a crown can provide better coverage and support than a new filling.
7. Restoring Dental Implants: Dental crowns are commonly used to restore single dental implants, providing a functional and natural-looking replacement for a missing tooth.
8. To Support Dental Bridges: Crowns can serve as anchor points for dental bridges, helping to replace missing teeth within a dental arch.
9. Fractured or Cracked Teeth: Teeth with fractures or cracks that extend below the gumline may require crowns to stabilise and restore them.
10. Enhancing Oral Function: Crowns can improve a patient’s ability to chew, bite, and speak comfortably by restoring the proper shape and function of damaged teeth.

The Benefits of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns offer a range of benefits that make them a valuable and versatile dental treatment:

1. Restoration of Tooth Function: Dental crowns are designed to restore the function of damaged or weakened teeth. They provide protection and support, allowing you to bite, chew, and speak with confidence.
2. Enhanced Aesthetics: Crowns are customised to match the color, size, and shape of your natural teeth. They can significantly improve the appearance of teeth that are discolored, misshapen, or have other cosmetic issues.
3. Strengthening Weakened Teeth: Crowns are often used to reinforce teeth that are weakened due to extensive decay, large fillings, or fractures. This helps prevent further damage and potential tooth loss.
4. Post-Root Canal Protection: After a root canal treatment, a crown is typically placed on the treated tooth to seal it against reinfection and restore its strength.
5. Longevity: Dental crowns are durable and can last for many years with proper care. They provide a long-lasting solution for tooth restoration.
6. Natural-Looking Results: Modern crowns are crafted from materials that closely resemble natural tooth enamel, ensuring a seamless blend with your existing teeth.
7. Improved Oral Health: By protecting and strengthening compromised teeth, crowns contribute to better oral health by preventing further decay or damage.
8. Personalised Treatment: Each crown is custom-made to fit your unique dental anatomy, ensuring a comfortable and precise fit.
9. Versatility: Crowns can be used for a wide range of dental issues, from cosmetic enhancements to functional restorations.
10. Minimal Discomfort: The process of getting a crown is typically well-tolerated by patients, and the results are worth the short-term investment in dental care.
11. Support for Dental Bridges: Crowns serve as anchor points for dental bridges, helping to replace missing teeth and restore the overall structure of your smile.
12. Protecting Tooth Structure: Crowns protect the remaining tooth structure, preventing further deterioration and the need for more invasive dental procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions