We usually recommend a crown if the damage to a tooth is too extensive for a filling to hold. They’re also common after a root canal, or when a tooth is badly worn, misshapen, or discoloured.
While a filling repairs part of the tooth, a crown protects the whole structure, making it the stronger, longer-lasting option.
Most crowns are fitted in two visits. First, we prepare your tooth and take a digital scan or impression so the lab can create your custom crown. You’ll leave with a temporary crown to protect the tooth in the meantime.
At your second visit, we fit your permanent crown, check the bite, and make sure it looks natural and feels comfortable.
Not at all. Modern crowns are carefully colour-matched to blend with your existing teeth, so they’re virtually invisible in your smile. Unless you tell someone, they’ll never know it’s there.
With good care (brushing, flossing, and regular check-ups), crowns can last many years, often over a decade. If you grind your teeth at night, wearing a night guard will help extend its life even further.
No, your tooth will be fully numbed before we begin. Most patients find the process very similar to having a filling, just spread across two visits. Any mild sensitivity afterwards usually settles quickly.