What is a crown or Onlay?

A crown is a bespoke custom-made restoration made by our skilled technician at Design Ceramic laboratory which surrounds and covers most surfaces of a tooth. Crowns can be constructed in different materials, depending on the options available for the tooth or teeth in question. Examples include, ceramics, zirconia, metals and gold.

Aesthetic crowns are made with high precision to simulate the natural contour of a healthy tooth. Our experienced lab technician has the ability to add various details into the surface to match its shape and shade to the surrounding teeth. We can arrange a visit by the lab technician to meet you in order record these details and provide you with a final crown that has a more personal and natural finish.

The same principal applies to onlay or inlay which is a partial coverage of the tooth.

When is a crown recommended?

Crowns are required when there is insufficient tooth tissue remaining to support a conventional filling and may be placed to protect cracked teeth against future risk of damage and needing extraction. Crowns have been clinically proven to be more long-lasting than fillings when a tooth is heavily broken down or has been previously root-filled.

There may also be aesthetic reasons for placement of crowns, such as covering and improving appearance of discolored or teeth affected by trauma. They are also used to restore dental implants, which have been placed in the jaw.

Crown preparation procedure

In order to treat damaged teeth, it is necessary to modify the existing tooth/teeth so that crowns may be placed upon them. Tooth preparation must be done as conservatively as practical. In preparation of teeth, anesthetics are usually needed. A highly detailed, accurate digital scan of full mouth and crown preparation is captured with our state of art Trios scanner and sent within minutes to our technician.

Crowns procedure

Depending on types of restoration and prosthesis being made such as inlays and onlays (partial coverage of the teeth) or full crown, a temporary crown is made to cover the tooth in the interim whilst the final crown or restoration is made. Sometimes temporary crowns are used for several weeks in order to stabilize the teeth and gums and allow healing before the finished product is created and fitted.

When the final restoration is ready to be fitted, the temporary crown is removed, and preparation is cleaned. The bite and accuracy of fit is checked and when you and your dentist are happy, the final crown, inlay or onlay is fitted with the aid of a very strong bond.

Before & After Crowns

Before CrownsAfter Crowns

What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge is made of multiple crown units connected, that can be used to replace one or more missing teeth . Gaps in the mouth brought on by removal of unrestorable or infected tooth, can result in movement of the neighbouring teeth and eventually cause uneven bite, fractures and jaw problems. A bridge spans in the distance where teeth are missing and is anchored to one or more teeth adjacent to the gap. They can also be anchored to dental implants. Naturally the teeth that hold the bridge in place must be healthy and free of infection. The procedure and treatment for construction of a bridge is similar to that of construction of crowns.

What’s the difference between a bridge, implant?

A dental bridge anchored to natural teeth is NOT the most conservative treatment of choice for replacing a missing tooth. Because to construct a bridge, healthy teeth on either side of the gap must be prepared and trimmed to make space for crowns holding the bridge in place. A dental implant is however independent of the neighbouring teeth and a much more conservative approach.


Is there any pain during treatment?

The tooth which is prepared for a crown may be sensitive for a period of time, even after the final cementation. This may last only for a short period of time or may last for much longer periods. Majority of cases will settle down within a few weeks and require no additional treatment.

How does the crown feel in my mouth?

When the crown is tried in, it may feel different or strange. This may occur because of the differences between natural teeth and the artificial replacements. Most patients usually become accustomed to this feeling in a short time.

I have a dark line around an old crown, can you correct it?

Dark lines at the gum line may appear on crowns if the gum recedes after placement. This can be corrected with a new crown or bridge and technicians can block dark stains from shining through.

Can I choose the colour of my crown?

You will have the opportunity to choose a colour for the crown and can examine it prior to the final cementation.

How long do crowns last?

The longevity of the treatment undertaken is directly related to the pre-existing oral condition. Its success is also dependent on good oral hygiene maintenance at home and also frequent trips to the hygienist. Smoking, systemic disease, poor diet and clenching and grinding habits can also adversely affect treatment and other teeth and structures within the mouth.

How do I care for my crown?

Like natural teeth, crowns and bridges need to be kept clean with meticulous oral hygiene and periodic professional cleaning, otherwise decay may develop underneath or around the margins of the restoration, leading to further dental treatment and possible replacement of the crown(s).