Dental crowns —
fit for a royal smile

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap (AKA dental cap). It is placed over the visible part of the tooth to restore and protect a decayed, chipped or worn-down tooth. In many cases, a dental crown can help extend the life of your natural tooth. Dental crowns can also be used as support for a dental bridge — to replace missing teeth. In this case dental crowns are placed over the teeth at either side of the gap. They are used to provide extra support for the teeth bridge.

Dental crowns have many uses including:

• Restoring a chipped, fractured or worn-down tooth
• Covering a dental implant
• Strengthen a weak tooth 
• Covering a misshapen tooth
• As added protection for some root canal treatments

Signs you might need a dental crown include:

• Pain when you bite down, this may indicate a cracked tooth
• Visual damage to the tooth (such as cracks or a chipped tooth)

If you have severe pain, you may have a dental emergency on your hands. Give us a buzz on 02 9361 4044. We set aside 1-hour appointments for this very reason—to get you out of pain and back smiling again in a flash!

Dental crowns can be made from ceramic, porcelain, zirconia, gold, or a combination of porcelain and metal. Here at Dentistry At The Cross, we use porcelain crowns. Porcelain is strong and durable and can be more cost-effective than other materials. If you take good care of your porcelain crown (care for crowns in the same way you would your natural teeth), it can last 10+ years.

The average lifespan of a dental bridge is 10+ years as well. Taking proper care of your tooth crown or bridge and having regular dental check-ups can help prolong its life.

There’s no denying that dental crowns are a fantastic invention. But, as with most things, there are pros and cons. Here’s a brief look at the main advantages and disadvantages of dental crowns.

PROS

• They offer a long-lasting solution
• Natural looking
• Strong to protect the natural tooth (may save the tooth)

CONS

• Tooth needs to be prepped
• There may be some pain or sensitivity after the treatment (although this can usually be fixed)
• Crowns can become loose, which invites bacteria and infection

Great question! After all, both veneers and dental crowns can be used as a cosmetic treatment to improve the look of teeth. A veneer is a thin layer of porcelain that’s bonded to the front of the tooth. Whereas, a dental crown is placed snugly over the entire tooth. Veneers require less of the natural tooth structure to be removed. In other words, less prep and a less invasive procedure. Wondering how you know which option is right for you? Come chat with us. We’ll assess your teeth and let you know all your options, so you can make an informed choice.

You’re absolutely right; a quick Google search will show you that the price of dental crowns in Australia differs. This is because there are several factors that can impact the cost for a dental crown including:

• What material the crown is made from
• Which tooth requires the crown
• The extent of the tooth damage
• The experience of your dentist 

At Dentistry At The Cross, we don’t want to see anyone delay treatment because of the cost. After all, putting off treatment now can put added pressure on your wallet later. This is why we offer a range of flexible payment solutions. (Yes, even interest-free ones!)

CEREC crowns and traditional porcelain crowns both restore and strengthen damaged teeth, but they’re made in different ways. CEREC crowns are made using “schmancy” technology and 3D imaging, and are milled in the dental practice. No need for multiple appointments or temporary crowns - enjoy same-day placement in a single visit to the dentist. 

On the other hand, traditional porcelain crowns are custom-made by a ceramist in a dental laboratory, requiring multiple visits for fitting and placement.

It is important to note that CEREC crowns are best suited to posterior teeth, such as molars, due to their strength and durability. They are not typically recommended for front teeth, as they may not provide the desired aesthetic results. Traditional porcelain crowns, on the other hand, offer more customisation options for front teeth to achieve a natural appearance. When you visit Dentistry At The Cross, we’ll assess your individual needs and recommend the most suitable option for your specific case.

‍