Dental crowns

Yes. A dental crown and a dental cap are two names for the same treatment. A ceramic crown is a strong, custom-made restoration that covers and protects a tooth. When it is designed and fitted well, it can look remarkably similar to a natural tooth. High-quality crowns are individually made rather than taken from a standard template. At The Smile Designers, we carefully plan the shape and colour-match the ceramic to your surrounding teeth, creating a result that feels secure and belongs naturally within your smile.

A crown may be recommended when a tooth has broken, cracked, become badly worn or has been filled and refilled until there is not enough reliable tooth remaining for another filling. In these situations, the crown surrounds and holds the weakened tooth together. This can protect it from further damage and may help prevent the tooth from eventually needing to be extracted.

A ceramic dental crown at The Smile Designers costs £850. This includes the clinical treatment, highly accurate digital scanning and a custom-made ceramic crown produced specifically for your tooth. Finance options are available, subject to status and terms.

Crowns are a long-term treatment, but no dental restoration can be guaranteed to last forever. With good care and attention, a well-made crown can last for decades. Longevity depends on the quality of the ceramic, how accurately the crown is made, how well it fits and how effectively the crowned tooth is cleaned. Modern ceramics are exceptionally strong; some materials, particularly zirconia, can be stronger than natural tooth structure in certain respects and are designed to withstand normal everyday biting forces.

Getting a dental crown should not hurt. We carefully numb the tooth using local anaesthetic before starting, and our patients typically report no pain during the procedure. We will explain the relevant benefits, limitations and risks for your individual tooth before treatment so you understand exactly what is involved.

The tooth is carefully prepared before we use highly accurate 3D scanning technology to capture its shape, position and relationship with the surrounding teeth. This precise scan helps the ceramic technician create a crown that fits closely and securely onto the tooth. Technology is important, but the skill of the dentist in preparing, designing and fitting the crown also makes a significant difference to the final result.

We have made the process fast, slick and straightforward. A ceramic crown is usually completed over two relatively short appointments, approximately two weeks apart. The tooth is prepared and digitally scanned at the first visit. At the second appointment, the custom-made crown is carefully checked and securely fitted.

We provide a full range of high-quality crown materials, including different types of modern ceramic. The best material depends on where the tooth is, the forces placed upon it and how we want the finished crown to look. Your crown is individually designed and custom-made by a skilled ceramic technician in the UK. We select the material that offers the right balance of strength, appearance and longevity for your particular tooth.

No—not when a crown is clinically appropriate and treatment is planned and carried out well. The tooth does need to be carefully shaped so the crown can fit securely, but the purpose is to protect and strengthen a tooth that has already been weakened. We will explain the benefits, limitations and relevant risks for your specific tooth before treatment.

The ceramic itself cannot decay, but the natural tooth underneath it still can. Decay is most likely to begin around the margin where the crown meets the tooth. A crown that is well prepared, accurately scanned, carefully made and closely fitted creates a precise margin that is easier to maintain. Cleaning that area remains important for the long-term health of the tooth.

No. A well-fitting crown is generally very low-maintenance and is cleaned as part of your normal brushing routine. The margin where the crown meets the tooth is often close to the gum and is brushed along with the surrounding teeth. We will show you how to clean and maintain your crown based on its position and your individual circumstances.

Yes. Once the permanent crown has been fitted and the numbness has completely worn off, you can eat normally. You may notice some temporary sensitivity at first, but a well-made ceramic crown is very strong and designed to function like a natural tooth. There are no special long-term food restrictions.

Book an appointment with a dentist who is experienced in assessing and treating dental crowns. There are many different crown materials and fitting techniques, so the dentist will need to examine both the crown and the tooth underneath it. Depending on the cause and condition of the tooth, the crown may be refitted, repaired or replaced.

No. A crown covers the whole visible part of a tooth and is generally used when the tooth needs additional protection or restoration. A veneer is a thinner ceramic restoration that covers mainly the front surface and is usually chosen to improve appearance. You can read more about porcelain veneers in Sheffield.

At The Smile Designers, a ceramic crown costs £850 and porcelain veneers start from £800 per tooth. The overall cost depends on how many teeth are being treated and which treatment is appropriate. Crowns and veneers serve different purposes, so the decision should be based on the condition of the tooth rather than price alone.

A black or dark line is most commonly seen around older porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. If the gum recedes over time, the metal edge of the crown can become visible. In suitable cases, this can be improved by replacing the old crown with a modern all-ceramic crown, which has no metal edge to show through. At The Smile Designers, we use natural-looking all-ceramic crowns and carefully position and finish the crown margin at the level of the gum. We also colour-match the ceramic to the surrounding teeth so the crown appears to emerge naturally from the gum, much like your own tooth.

Yes. Dental crowns are a very common and well-established treatment for protecting and restoring damaged or weakened teeth. There is good long-term clinical evidence supporting crowns, particularly when treatment is carefully planned, the tooth is prepared conservatively, and the crown is made accurately, fits well and is properly maintained. Your dentist will first assess whether a crown is the appropriate treatment for your particular tooth.