Archive | April, 2010
15. Apr, 2010

Crowns, no not the Queen’s crown

Caps or crowns are usually used for a dental job when teeth are significantly damaged, whether by decay or physical injury.  Think of a crown as a shell which goes over your entire tooth to protect it and improve its appearance, much like a veneer but more extensive.

London dentists will be able to give you guidance on whether crowns are the right procedure for you, since so much of the tooth needs to be removed crowns are not always the first option when looking at just cosmetic tooth improvements and veneers or whitening may be suggested as less drastic steps.

The range of materials and brands available when choosing your caps is wide, so don’t be afraid to ask your dentist who should be experienced in such matters thanks to necessary attendance of dental courses about all the options they offer and what the advantages and disadvantages, price and appearance of each will be, porcelain and gold have quite different price tags.  As soon as you’re set to go ahead, your teeth are gone over to remove decay or anything which might interfere with the process, then shaped with a drill to fit the caps well.  When this part’s done your dentist will take a mould that will be the basis for the fit of the new crowns, these could take up to 3 weeks to be ready though so you’ll have temporary caps in the meantime.  When it’s done the fit is checked, then your teeth are prepared and the new crown is fixed solidly in place.

Now just follow a normal good hygiene routine and your crown should be with you for the next ten or more years.

04. Apr, 2010

A royal crown for your teeth

Having a crown fitted is one of the most common dental treatments. Crowns, also known as caps, are used to replace an area of damaged tooth and strengthen the remaining portion of the tooth.  Most people choose crowns that are made from porcelain, as they look the most natural; however, there are other materials on offer, including gold and silver alloys and ceramic materials.

Who can benefit from having crowns fitted?

Crowns can be used to help improve the health of many patients; they are commonly used when a large part of the tooth is damaged or decayed, but they may also be used after root canal treatment or when a dental implant has been fitted.

What does the procedure involve?

If your dentist advises you to have a crown, they will prepare the affect tooth by removing any decayed parts of the tooth and cleaning the remaining portion of the tooth. Once the tooth is ready, the dentist will make a mould of your teeth using a putty-like substance; this will then be sent away to the dental laboratory so that they can manufacture the new crown to fit your tooth perfectly. Once the crown has been returned, the dentist will fit it to the affected tooth using dental cement. The crown will be designed to fit in with the rest of the teeth to make the smile look as natural as possible.

How much do crowns cost?

Prices vary according to where you go for treatment; dentists in essex offer a variety of different materials at competitive prices. Patients should expect to pay anywhere between £200 and £2000 per crown, depending on the material.