A dental crown is a thin, custom-made cover that snugly encases your existing tooth, adding strength, protecting your natural tooth, and enhancing its appearance. At National Dental Care Brisbane, we provide quality dental crown services tailored to your dental needs.
Our friendly team is experienced in dental crowns, so if you are seeking to enhance your smile, consider scheduling a consultation at our Brisbane (CBD) clinic today.
What is a dental crown?
Dental crowns are a great way to repair a compromised or damaged tooth, and they have many oral health benefits. In fact, a crown can make the difference between preserving a natural tooth and having it extracted.
A dental crown is like a thin shell that fits over your natural tooth. It is made especially for your tooth so you won’t feel any real difference - and because it looks completely natural, no one will even know it’s there!
Dental crowns are usually made from porcelain, which is a very strong material that can be matched to your natural tooth colour. However, you will also have the choice of a dental crown made from gold, which doesn’t have the same natural look, but does offer added strength. That’s why gold is usually used for back teeth that can’t be seen when you smile, but do more of the heaving lifting when it comes to chewing.
Dentist inspecting a patients dental crown prior to application
A dental crown is usually required when your natural tooth is weakened, broken or damaged in some way. For example, many people who have a root canal treatment will get a dental crown placed over the tooth for added strength.
A dental crown can also be an aesthetic treatment for stained or misshapen teeth. For example, if a tooth is discoloured, a dental crown can be fitted over the natural tooth for a whiter smile if standard teeth whitening isn’t effective.
Advantages of a dental crown
A dental crown is an excellent solution to a number of problems, and offers a variety of advantages.
- Reinforced Protection: The main benefit of a dental crown is its capacity to strengthen a compromised or injured tooth, preventing possible issues arising from tooth weakness.
- Enhanced Aesthetics: Dental crowns can effectively conceal misshapen or discoloured teeth, resulting in a more radiant and whiter smile.
- Exceptional Durability: With proper maintenance, a well-fitted dental crown can offer a long-lasting solution that requires minimal ongoing care after its initial placement.
How much does a dental crown cost?
The cost of a dental crown will vary depending on which tooth or teeth are involved and your private health insurance.
During your initial consultation at National Dental Care Brisbane, our experienced dental professionals will evaluate your specific needs and provide you with a personalised treatment plan along with an accurate cost estimate.
Patient discussing payment plans with receptionist
- Health Funds: At National Dental Care Brisbane, we accept all major health fund providers. Plus, our HICAPS facilities allow you to claim your rebate on the spot after your treatment – there’s no waiting around. We are also a preferred provider for many health funds - so if you’re with one of our preferred provider funds, depending on your cover, you could use your dental extras and minimise out-of-pocket expenses. We're here to help you make the most of your dental benefits.
- Payment Plans: Our payment plans, SmileFund and Afterpay, provide a flexible, interest-free payment option, ensuring you receive the care you need without worrying about the cost. SmileFund is our exclusive payment plan that provides interest-free payments for unexpected or unplanned treatments for up to 18 months. If you use Afterpay, you can split your treatment cost into four equal, interest-free instalments over a few weeks.
What to expect from your dental crown appointment
Here’s what to expect from start to finish when you get a dental crown.
- Have something to eat and drink before your appointment
- Brush and floss your teeth
- Your dentist will apply a local anaesthetic to numb the area
- They will remove a thin layer from your tooth and shape the tooth
- They may take a scan or a mould of your tooth
- They will attach a temporary crown and shape it to your bite
- The whole procedure may be a little uncomfortable but not painful
- Raise your hand any time you need a break
- The area may be numb for a few hours following the procedure
- The area may be tender for a day or two after the procedure
- During the second appointment, your dentist will remove the temporary crown
- They will put the permanent crown on to check the fit is correct
- They will then attach the permanent dental crown with dental cement
- They will shape the crown to your bite
A dental crown is a great solution for weakened, damaged, discoloured, and misshapen teeth.
Schedule an appointment to explore the benefits of dental crowns and begin your journey toward improved oral health.
Frequently asked questions
While getting a dental crown is a standard and generally safe procedure, it's important to be aware of potential side effects that may occur. These can include:
- Temporary Tenderness: After the dental crown procedure, it is common to experience temporary tenderness in the area of the treated tooth. This usually subsides within a day or so and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief medications.
- Discomfort Post-Anaesthesia: As the effects of anaesthesia wear off, you might experience mild discomfort. If so, it’s best to contact your dentist for an evaluation. Occasionally, adjustments may be needed to ensure a better fit of the crown to your tooth.
- Crown Damage: Over time, your dental crown may chip, break, or even detach. While rare, this can be a result of regular wear and tear. Practising good oral care can significantly reduce the risk of these issues. In case of crown damage, your dentist will either repair and reattach the crown or create a new one as needed.
It's essential to maintain good oral hygiene practices and attend regular check-ups with your dentist in Brisbane CBD to ensure the longevity and wellbeing of your dental crown.
Crowns are usually suitable for teeth that have been heavily restored with previous fillings, or for teeth that have severe decay. The most common reason a crown fails is not the crown itself, but the tooth underneath.
If the crown does fail, you can often have it replaced. There is no set time to replace crowns - and with good oral hygiene and regular check-ups, a crown can typically last for many years.
Taking proper care of your crown, including regular brushing, flossing, and scheduling dental check-ups at National Dental Care Brisbane, can help to extend its lifespan to the maximum.
No, getting a dental crown is not painful, as your dentist will give you a local anaesthetic to numb the area.
It may be uncomfortable to sit in the chair with your mouth open during treatment, but you can put your hand up for a break at any time. Also, our team of caring professionals will help to ensure your comfort throughout the entire process.
Yes. A dental crown can greatly improve the strength, health, and appearance of your natural tooth. It’s a good solution for a number of issues, so be sure to discuss getting a crown with our team at National Dental Care Brisbane.
They may be able to offer alternative solutions such as dental veneers, or explain why a crown is the best option for your needs.