Dental Crowns

A crown provides essential rigidity and structure to a decaying or misshapen tooth, without which it would only deteriorate further.

A dental crown also improves the aesthetic of your teeth, especially if the tooth it’s replacing is chipped or stained. They can be made from metal, porcelain or metal coated in porcelain.

Porcelain crowns are particularly common when replacing a tooth near the front of your mouth. Their colour means they blend in seamlessly with your natural teeth. No-one will ever know!

If you have a damaged tooth that cannot be fixed with a filling, your dentist may recommend a dental crown. This is a tooth-shaped cap which sits over the entire visible portion of your tooth.

First, your dentist will remove any parts of your tooth that are damaged beyond repair. They will then take an impression of your mouth and fit a temporary crown. At your second appointment, your permanent crown—created from the impression—will be fixed in place.

If a crown is being fitted for a reason that is not just cosmetic, you may be able to get it on the NHS. This falls under Band 3 dental treatment, meaning it costs £326.70.

If you decide to go private for your fitting, your dental crown will cost from £700.

The procedure should be painless, as the area will be anaesthetised to ensure minimum discomfort.

If you take good care of your crown and follow your dentist’s advice, there’s no reason it shouldn’t last upwards of 15 years.

Most patients are able to eat immediately after having a crown fitted. Just remember you’ll still be numb, so it’s recommended that you avoid hot or chewy foods for two hours or so.