It’s one of the most common dental procedures performed by our award-winning practitioners at Iconic Dentistry – but what is a dental crown, exactly? Sometimes referred to as a tooth crown or tooth cap, a dental crown is used to cover an existing tooth that is broken, impaired, weakened, structurally compromised, decayed, stained or poorly shaped. Tooth crowns are also recommended in place of a filling when a tooth is structurally weak. They are essentially like a helmet that protects the tooth underneath from further damage.
At Iconic Dentistry, our dentists are proud to use the latest CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing) technology to create flawless ceramic tooth crowns that match your natural tooth colour and seamlessly blend in with your smile. They are made to specification on-site while you wait, so your tooth crown can be fitted in a single visit (unlike traditional methods).
While there numerous types of tooth crowns are available, all made from different materials and manufacturing processes, ceramic materials are the most natural-looking. They are ideal for patients who require a front tooth crown and feel self-conscious about how well the tooth cap is likely to match the surrounding teeth in size, shape and colour.
Restore your smile at Iconic Dentistry
Having a dental crown fitted can be life-changing for your self-esteem. At Iconic Dentistry, our multi-award-winning team is dedicated to helping you achieve a picture-perfect smile. If you’re ready to take the first steps on your restoration journey, book an appointment today using our online tool or give us a call on 08 9474 3947.
FAQs
How long does a tooth crown last?
Tooth crowns are a long-term solution for damaged teeth, but they don’t last forever. The average lifespan for a dental crown is typically between 5 and 15 years, although it’s possible to extend the longevity of your tooth cap by taking exceptional care of it. With proper aftercare, excellent dental hygiene habits, and regular dental check-ups, you may find that it can last for decades or potentially even longer. The benefit of a crown is that it protects the tooth underneath. If you were to accidentally chew on something hard, the crown will absorb the force and break off the tooth. This leaves the underlying tooth underneath intact and protected. A new crown can then be made over the intact tooth. Without a crown in the same scenario, the tooth may fracture completely causing a catastrophic loss.
Is a crown a fake tooth?
Not exactly — a dental crown is a hollow prosthetic tooth that is placed directly over your existing tooth and can be thought of as akin to a protective cover or a helmut. Not only will a tooth crown fortify the structural integrity of the damaged tooth and shield any weak areas that would otherwise soften, decay, or break apart — so you can bite and chew without pain or discomfort — but it will restore the aesthetic appearance of your smile, including the colour, shape and length of the tooth. So you can smile with confidence.
What’s involved in getting a crown on your tooth?
Your dentist will begin the tooth crown procedure by preparing the damaged tooth to fit the tooth cap covering. Any decay and cracks are removed and the tooth structure is optimised to support the dental crown. This usually involves removing a layer of the outer surface and reducing the size so that the dental crown sits flush and looks natural.
At Iconic Dentistry, we use the latest innovations in dental technology to create a digital scan of the tooth and surrounding teeth. Your dentist will use an optical scanner to send a 3D custom image to an automated milling machine located on-site. The dental crown is shaped while you wait, from a single block of ceramic, before being glazed in a furnace.
Once the tooth cap is ready, your dentist will check the fit and make any necessary adjustments before permanently cementing the dental crown onto your natural tooth. With this pioneering technology, there’s no need to fit temporary tooth crowns across multiple appointments. Just fast, professional, fuss-free results in one visit.
Can a tooth crown be repaired?
If your dental crown sustains a minor chip or is damaged, it may be possible for your dentist to repair it or polish it back. However ceramic crowns are designed to break if a large enough force is applied. This is to protect the underlying tooth. We don’t want all the forces to be transmitted to the roots of the tooth which may result in a catastrophic fracture. A crown is usually easily replaced, whereas an entire tooth is a much more complex procedure. If a crown breaks or starts to develop cracks it’s a sign that it’s done its job well and most of the time will require replacement.
