Dental Crowns: Restoring Strength, Function & Beauty
When a tooth becomes too damaged or weakened to support a filling, a dental crown offers the perfect solution. A crown acts like a custom-made cap that fits over the tooth, restoring its shape, strength, and appearance — and allowing you to bite and smile with confidence.
At Spixworth Dental Practice, we provide a range of crown materials tailored to your individual needs — whether you’re being treated through the NHS or privately. Let’s explore your options.
🧠 What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a fixed restoration that covers a tooth entirely above the gum line. It’s often recommended when:
- A tooth has large decay or fractures
- After a root canal treatment
- To support a dental bridge
- For cosmetic enhancement
- To protect a worn or weakened tooth
Crowns are designed to look and feel just like your natural teeth — and with the right material, they can last for many years.
🔍 Types of Crowns Available
At Spixworth Dental Practice, we offer several crown options based on your clinical need, budget, and aesthetic preference.
1. Metal Crowns (NHS & Private)
What are they? Made from base metals such as nickel or chromium.
Benefits:
– Very strong and long-lasting
– Ideal for back teeth where strength matters more than looks
– Requires minimal removal of natural tooth
Considerations:
– Silver-coloured, so less suited for visible teeth
NHS Availability: Often provided on the NHS when clinically required
2. Gold Crowns (Private Treatment)
What are they? Crafted from a mix of gold, copper, and other metals.
Benefits:
– Exceptionally durable and resistant to wear
– Gentle on opposing teeth (less grinding)
– Biocompatible and rarely causes allergic reactions
Considerations:
– High cost due to material
– Visible gold appearance may not suit all preferences
Ideal for: Molars and patients who value long-term strength over appearance
3. Zirconia (Zirconium) Crowns (Private Treatment)
What are they? Made from zirconium dioxide — a ceramic material known for strength and aesthetics.
Benefits:
– Tooth-coloured and extremely natural-looking
– Very strong — suitable for back and front teeth
– Metal-free and hypoallergenic
– Can withstand heavy biting forces
Considerations:
– Slightly more expensive than standard porcelain
Ideal for: Patients wanting aesthetic crowns with maximum durability
4. Porcelain Crowns (Available Privately or on NHS when appropriate)
What are they? Crowns made entirely of porcelain or fused with metal (Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal, PFM).
Benefits:
– Match natural tooth colour very closely
– Great for front teeth where appearance matters most
– PFM crowns offer added strength with metal base
Considerations:
– Full porcelain can be more fragile under pressure
– PFM crowns may show a grey line near the gum over time
Ideal for: Cosmetic front-tooth restorations and aesthetic-conscious patients
🦷 The Dental Crown Procedure: What to Expect
- Assessment & Planning: We examine your tooth and recommend the best type of crown.
- Tooth Preparation: The damaged tooth is shaped to make space for the crown.
- Impressions: We take digital or traditional moulds for precise fit.
- Temporary Crown: A temporary crown is placed while the permanent one is crafted.
- Final Fit: Your custom crown is fitted, adjusted, and permanently bonded.
The full process usually takes 2 visits over 1–2 weeks.
🛡️ How Long Do Crowns Last?
With proper care, your crown can last 10 to 15 years or longer, depending on the material and your oral hygiene habits.
- Brush and floss daily
- Avoid chewing hard foods (like ice or pens)
- Visit us regularly for check-ups
💬 NHS vs Private Crowns
- NHS: Offers metal or porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns when clinically necessary.
- Private: Allows access to gold, zirconia, and full porcelain crowns with faster turnaround times and more aesthetic options.
We’ll always explain your choices clearly so you can decide what suits your needs and budget best.
Not sure if you need a full crown?
If a tooth is damaged but still has plenty of healthy structure, an onlay can sometimes be a better choice than a full crown. Onlays cover only the parts of the tooth that need restoring, preserving more of your natural tooth. For gaps where a tooth is missing entirely, a bridge may be the right option. We’ll always talk you through all the alternatives before settling on a crown.