At a glance
- Typical visits
- 2 — preparation and final fitting
What is a dental crown?
A crown is a prosthesis placed on the visible part of the tooth, above the gum line. It can be fitted directly onto a natural tooth or onto a dental implant. Crowns are often needed after root canal treatment, to strengthen a decayed or fractured tooth, or to support a bridge.
Getting a crown typically involves two visits: tooth preparation and placement of the final crown. Good oral hygiene is essential to ensure its longevity.
Crown materials
The choice depends on your needs, the position of the tooth and your aesthetic preferences.
Zirconia-ceramic
An aesthetic option offering excellent strength and a natural colour.
Metal-ceramic
A metal core covered in ceramic, combining strength and aesthetics.
Full ceramic
Superior aesthetics and excellent biocompatibility.
Gold-ceramic
A gold alloy and ceramic, offering exceptional durability.
Ceramic teeth
Ceramic is often used for crowns and bridges, particularly for front teeth in the upper jaw. Fired at very high temperatures in the laboratory, it gives the most realistic result — a natural colour and a shape closely matching the original tooth — and keeps its stability and colour for many years.
Dental bridges
A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth. It consists of interconnected crowns permanently fixed to the healthy teeth on either side of the gap: the two abutments hold the false tooth or teeth that fill the space.
Bridges can be made of metal-ceramic, zirconia or ceramic. Ceramic bridges can be tinted to match the surrounding teeth. Your dentist will help you choose the most suitable material.
When is a crown recommended?
- Damaged or broken teeth that cannot be treated otherwise.
- Sensitive cracked teeth.
- Colour differences, e.g. after root canal treatment or medication.
- Changing the shape and/or colour of a tooth.
- Teeth that cannot be restored due to extensive decay.
- Closing gaps between teeth (diastemas).
- Improving slightly misaligned or moderately worn teeth.
- Discoloured teeth that whitening alone cannot restore.
- Harmonising differences in tooth level and size.
Have a question about this treatment?
Get a free, no-obligation consultation from our specialists.