Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are commonly used in cosmetic dentistry because of their versatility and ability to fix a number of dental issues. Simply put, they are a tooth-shaped cap made from porcelain or a mix of porcelain with other metals. By placing the cap over a damaged tooth, the structure is held together to avoid further damage. This also greatly improves  the appearance of the tooth. A dental crown only covers the tooth above the gum line and is fused to the existing tooth for comfort and convenience.

At Bond Street, we pride ourselves on being completely transparent with our costs, which our treatment coordinator will personally discuss with you as we put together your tailored treatment plan. We understand that cosmetic dentistry can be a big investment, which is why we also offer a variety of flexible payment options to suit different budgets.

The main difference between porcelain and composite dental crowns is the quality and longevity of the materials.

Porcelain crowns are more durable than composite, meaning they can be enjoyed for many years with minimal chance of chipping or staining. They’re also known for looking more natural and attractive than the alternative, which is why they’re a gold standard in cosmetic dentistry.

Dental crowns can be used for both structural restoration and to improve the appearance of a tooth. To know if you’re a good candidate for a dental crown, it’s always best to book a consultation with our team to discuss your needs and suitability. You may be considered a good candidate for a dental crown, if you:

• Have a tooth that’s been weakened and needs protection from breaking
• Need a cracked tooth to be held together
  Are suffering from significant dental decay
• Have been told you aren’t suitable for porcelain veneers
• Have a dental bridge that needs to be held in place
• Need to cover a misaligned or discoloured tooth
• Have a dental implant that needs to be covered

While some dentists choose to use metals or resin to make a crown, porcelain is considered the most natural looking and durable material to work with. At Bond Street Dental, we work with Australia’s leading dental porcelain technicians to create state-of-the-art custom crowns with excellent longevity.

How long do porcelain crowns last?
With the right follow up care and oral hygiene, porcelain crowns can last for decades. Because the Bond Street Dental team only use the highest quality porcelain and work with the country’s leading technicians, our handcrafted porcelain crowns are expected to outlast those made by resin or other composite materials.

The procedure of getting a dental crown is almost entirely painless. At Bond Street, we pride ourselves on providing top quality dental care that ensures our patients are comfortable from start to finish. While crown treatment is not painful, our dentists may apply a numbing gel to the area or prescribe you a mild pain reliever, if needed.

It’s advised that you avoid chewy, hard or overly hot foods in the week or so after your crown is fitted so that it has time to settle and for the adhesive to properly fuse. However, one of the many benefits of a crown is that it’s a permanent fixture so you don’t need to remove it to eat or drink and you can enjoy all your favourite foods again in no time.

Can a dental crown stain?
While porcelain dental crowns can stain, they’re less likely to then your natural teeth. The best way to avoid dental crown staining is to minimise exposure to culprits such as red wine, tobacco, coffee and tea.

Can I use teeth whitening on dental crowns?
Because crowns are made of porcelain, teeth whitening agents are ineffective on them. This means that if you wish to have your natural teeth whitened you should only ever go as white as your existing crown to avoid uneven colouring.

Yes! In fact, using a high quality porcelain crown to cap a front or more prominent tooth is a common procedure that helps to make a smile more even and halt any structural damage. Because porcelain looks very natural and is easy to match to the surrounding teeth, it’s almost impossible to tell that you’ve had the treatment done at all.

Normally, if you are pregnant it’s advised that you avoid getting any non-essential dental work done until after birth. However, leaving significant decay exposed while pregnant can sometimes also be unadvisable. In this case, a temporary crown could be used, especially if you were already planning for a root canal. Always consult with your doctor and dentist to determine what’s appropriate for you and your situation.

When crown work is done overseas or by a less experienced dentist, there can be a higher risk of a dental crown falling out due to adhesive issues. This is usually caused by biting into overly soft or chewy food. However, even if your crown is placed by the most experienced dentist using the highest quality materials, there’s still a chance that it will fall out if poor oral hygiene is practiced and the natural tooth underneath starts to decay.

Can I put my crown back in place at home before visiting the dentist?
No, it’s not advisable to try and put your crown back in place if it falls out. The best thing to do is keep it somewhere safe and contact Bond Street Dental immediately so that we can organise a dentist to repair it for you, as soon as possible.

What should I do if I swallow my dental crown?
If you think you may have swallowed your dental crown it’s important that you see a doctor to make sure that it hasn’t entered your windpipe and is tracking correctly, then speak to the team at Bond Street about next steps.