Dental Crowns
Durable Solutions That Look and Feel Like Natural Teeth
Discover how dental crowns combine expert craftsmanship and practical care to restore your smile. Also called dental caps, these custom restorations match the natural shape, size, and colour of your teeth.
Crowns don’t just improve appearance, they strengthen and protect teeth that are damaged or weakened, helping you bite and chew comfortably again.
Whether you’re dealing with discolouration, misshapen teeth, or healing after dental work, crowns made from durable porcelain or metal alloys provide a reliable, long-lasting solution for patients in Appin and nearby areas.
Ready to find relief from jaw pain and protect your smile?
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What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that fits over a damaged or weakened tooth. It covers the entire visible part of the tooth above the gum line, restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns can be made from various materials such as porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys, or a combination to suit different needs.
When You Might Need a Dental Crown
There are several common situations where a dental crown might be the best solution to protect or restore a tooth, including:
Large Cavities or Extensive Decay
When a tooth has significant decay that cannot be restored with a simple filling, a crown provides stronger protection.
Cracked, Chipped, or Broken Teeth
Teeth that have been damaged from injury or wear may require a crown to hold them together and prevent further damage.
After Root Canal Treatment
Teeth that have had root canal therapy often become brittle and need a crown to reinforce their structure.
Severe Wear or Erosion
Teeth worn down by grinding (bruxism) or acid erosion may lose strength and shape, making crowns necessary for protection and function.
Misshapen or Discoloured Teeth
Crowns can improve the appearance of teeth that are uneven, badly stained, or otherwise affect your smile.
Covering Dental Implants
A crown is placed on top of a dental implant to replace a missing tooth with a natural-looking and functional restoration.
How Dental Crowns Help
Dental crowns serve multiple important purposes:
Protection
By covering the tooth, crowns shield it from further decay, fractures, or wear.
Restoration
They restore the tooth’s shape and size, helping maintain proper alignment and bite.
Functionality
Crowns allow you to bite and chew normally, even on teeth that were previously weakened or damaged.
Aesthetics
Crowns improve the look of your teeth by matching the natural colour and shape, giving you a confident and attractive smile.
Longevity
When properly cared for, dental crowns can last many years, helping you preserve your natural teeth longer.
Types of Dental Crowns
At Appin Dental Surgery, we offer several dental crown options tailored to your needs:
Porcelain or Ceramic Crowns
Natural-looking, metal-free, ideal for front teeth and visible areas.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns
Strong metal core with a natural porcelain outer layer, suitable for front and back teeth.
Metal Crowns
Durable gold, palladium, or other alloys used mainly for molars, requiring minimal tooth removal.
Zirconia Crowns
Strong, tooth-coloured ceramic that is metal-free and suitable for both front and back teeth.
Comparison of Dental Crown Types
At Appin Dental Surgery, we offer several types of dental crowns to suit different needs.
Below is a comparison to help you understand the options available:
Crown Type | Appearance | Durability | Tooth Removal Needed | Best For | Allergies/Sensitivity | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Porcelain/Ceramic | Natural, tooth-coloured | Moderate | Moderate | Front teeth, visible areas | Metal-free, suitable for allergies | Mid to high |
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal | Natural with metal core | High | Moderate | Front and back teeth | Contains metal, may cause allergies | Mid |
Metal | Metallic (gold/silver) | Very high | Minimal | Back teeth, molars | Rare metal allergies possible | Varies, often higher |
Zirconia | Tooth-coloured, natural | Very high | Minimal to moderate | Front and back teeth | Metal-free, biocompatible | Mid to high |
Benefits of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns offer a range of important benefits that help protect your teeth and improve your overall oral health:
Restore Tooth Strength and Function
Crowns reinforce damaged or weakened teeth, allowing you to chew and bite without discomfort or risk of further damage.
Protect Against Further Decay or Injury
By covering the entire visible surface of the tooth, crowns act as a shield, preventing bacteria and decay from worsening.
Improve Appearance
Custom-made crowns match the colour and shape of your natural teeth, enhancing your smile by correcting discolouration, misshapen teeth, or visible damage.
Long-Lasting Solution
With proper care, dental crowns can last many years, providing durable protection and maintaining your natural bite.
Support Dental Implants and Bridges
Crowns are essential in restoring teeth replaced by implants or serving as anchors for dental bridges, helping restore full function.
Prevent Tooth Loss
By protecting and strengthening compromised teeth, crowns can help avoid the need for extraction and maintain your natural teeth longer.
The Dental Crown Procedure at Appin Dental Surgery
We aim to make the dental crown process smooth, comfortable, and precise. Here’s what you can expect:
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We work closely with you to understand your dental needs and goals. During your first appointment, our dentists will examine your tooth and surrounding areas, often using digital X-rays to assess health and structure. Together, we discuss the best treatment options and determine what type of crown suits your tooth, considering appearance, durability, and your preferences. Your questions are encouraged so you can make informed decisions.
To ensure the crown fits perfectly, we gently reshape your tooth by removing a small amount of enamel. For severely damaged teeth, we may build up the tooth with filling material to create a solid base.
We capture an accurate model of your teeth using advanced digital scanning or traditional impressions. This model is sent to a trusted Australian dental lab, where your custom crown is carefully crafted.
A temporary crown is placed to protect your tooth while the permanent crown is being made. This allows you to eat and speak comfortably.
When your custom crown arrives, you return for fitting. We check the fit, colour, and shape, making adjustments if needed before securely cementing it onto your tooth.
We confirm your bite and comfort and provide personalised advice on caring for your new crown to ensure its longevity.
Post-Treatment Care for Dental Crowns
Following these simple steps can help keep your dental crown in great shape and your smile healthy for years to come. Taking care of your dental crown after placement is important to ensure it lasts and protects your tooth effectively. Here’s what to expect and how to care for your new crown:
Mild sensitivity is normal
Some sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure may occur for a few days after your crown placement and usually improves on its own. If sensitivity persists or increases, please contact us for advice.
Avoid hard or sticky foods initially
For the first 24 to 48 hours, avoid chewing hard foods like nuts or ice and sticky foods such as caramel to protect your new crown.
Maintain excellent oral hygiene
Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss gently around the crown to prevent plaque buildup and gum irritation. Avoid snapping floss, as this can loosen the crown or harm your gums.
Regular dental check-ups
Routine visits to Appin Dental Surgery allow us to monitor your crown’s condition and overall oral health, helping your crown last longer.
Report any discomfort or changes promptly
If your crown feels loose, causes pain, or you notice any unusual changes, please contact us promptly for an assessment.
If you grind your teeth, let us know
Teeth grinding or clenching can damage crowns over time. If this applies to you, discuss protective options like a nightguard with your dentist.
Cost & Health Fund Information for Dental Crowns
Since every dental crowns is custom-made to fit your unique bite, the total cost can vary. We will always provide a detailed and transparent quote after your initial consultation, so you are fully informed before any treatment begins.
Preferred Providers
We are a preferred provider for nib and Medibank, and we accept all major Australian health funds.
On-the-Spot Claims
You can claim your rebate instantly using our HICAPS machine, which processes most health fund cards on the day of your fitting.
Coverage
Many private health funds provide partial coverage for occlusal splints under their major dental or orthodontic extras.
Why Choose Appin Dental Surgery for Your Dental Crowns
At Appin Dental Surgery, we believe the best results come from working closely with you throughout your treatment. Our team collaborates to understand your needs, preferences, and concerns, ensuring your dental crown fits perfectly and looks natural. Choosing Appin Dental Surgery means partnering with a team that values your input and delivers reliable, locally crafted dental crowns designed just for you.
01
Collaborative Care
We involve you in every step of the process, discussing options and tailoring treatment to suit your lifestyle and smile goals.
02
Reputable Local Australian Labs
Your custom crowns are crafted by trusted dental laboratories right here in Australia, known for their high-quality materials and precise craftsmanship.
03
Quality and Durability
We offer a variety of durable, tooth-coloured materials that provide natural aesthetics and long-lasting protection.
04
Serving the Local Community
Proudly supporting patients from Appin, Wilton, Picton, and nearby areas, we are dedicated to maintaining the oral health of our community through personalised care.
Book Your Dental Crown Appointment at Appin Dental
Booking your appointment with our Appin dentist team is quick and simple. Choose the method that suits you best:
Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its shape, strength, and appearance. You might need a crown if your tooth is cracked, worn down, has a large filling, or after root canal treatment.
Typically, getting a dental crown takes two appointments over 1-2 weeks. The first visit involves preparing the tooth and taking impressions, while the second visit fits and cements the permanent crown.
The procedure is done under local anaesthesia, so you shouldn’t feel pain during treatment. Mild sensitivity after the appointment is normal but usually settles within a few days.
With good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, dental crowns can last 10 to 15 years or longer.
Yes. At Appin Dental Surgery, we use tooth-coloured materials and precise techniques to ensure your crown matches your natural teeth in colour and shape.
Brush twice daily, floss gently around the crown, avoid hard or sticky foods especially soon after placement, and visit us regularly for check-ups.
If your crown feels loose, causes pain, or if you notice any changes, contact Appin Dental Surgery promptly for an assessment to prevent further issues.
