Crowns offer a solution for improving the appearance and strengthening heavily restored teeth. Following preparation of the tooth, impressions are obtained and a laboratory made crown is fitted 10 to 14 days later.

Crowns (sometimes called ‘caps’) are constructed in the laboratory from porcelain usually in conjunction with a metal core that adds extra strength to the restoration.

With the development of dental materials, modern crowns can be constructed without this metal core using very strong ceramics to provide the underlying strength. This has benefits in terms of the cosmetic result that can be achieved.