Dental crowns
A crown covers a tooth completely, restoring its shape and strength. It protects teeth that are cracked, heavily filled or root-treated, and can improve the look of a tooth that is discoloured or misshapen.
Overview
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers the whole visible part of a tooth. At Rubi Smile, crowns are made from zirconia, E-max (lithium disilicate) or porcelain fused to metal, depending on the tooth and the look you want. The tooth is prepared, scanned or measured, and the final crown is bonded once it is ready, usually within one visit of several days.
- Materials
- Zirconia, E-max, porcelain-fused-to-metal
- Typical stay
- Several days
- Anaesthesia
- Local anaesthetic
- Also used on
- Implants and bridges
Crowns are one of the most common restorations in dentistry. They are used both to protect a weakened tooth and to change its appearance, and they are also the visible part of a tooth replaced with an implant.
We use three types of crown: zirconia, which is very strong, metal-free and tooth-coloured; E-max, a glass-ceramic chosen for front teeth where appearance matters most; and porcelain fused to metal, a solid and more budget-friendly option.
Is it right for you?
Often suitable when
- A tooth is cracked, broken or heavily filled
- A tooth has had root canal treatment and needs protection
- A tooth is badly discoloured or misshapen and a veneer is not suitable
- You are replacing old crowns that no longer fit or match
- A tooth is being restored on an implant or as part of a bridge
Another option may be better when
How the treatment works
To make room for the crown, the tooth is reshaped under local anaesthetic. The amount removed depends on the material: zirconia and E-max crowns can often be thinner than older types. The tooth is then scanned or an impression is taken, and a temporary crown may protect it while the final crown is made.
When the crown is ready, we check the fit, colour and bite before bonding it permanently.
Assessment and planning
We examine the tooth and take X-rays to check the nerve and root. If the tooth is infected, root canal treatment is needed first. We then agree the material and shade with you, considering how the crown will look next to your other teeth and how much force it will need to withstand.
Treatment stages
Examination and X-ray
We check the tooth, root and surrounding gum, and agree the material and shade.
Tooth preparation
The tooth is reshaped under local anaesthetic and scanned or measured.
Temporary protection
A temporary crown may be fitted while the final crown is made.
Fitting
The final crown is tried in, adjusted and bonded. Your bite is checked.
Materials and techniques
Zirconia is very strong and metal-free, suitable for back and front teeth. E-max (lithium disilicate) is highly aesthetic, often chosen for front teeth. Porcelain fused to metal (PFM) has a metal base for strength with porcelain on top; it is a more economical option, though a thin dark line can sometimes become visible at the gum over time.
Recovery and aftercare
Some sensitivity to cold or a different feeling when biting is common for a few days. If the bite still feels high after a few days, contact us so it can be adjusted.
Risks and limitations
Crowns are reliable, but there are limitations:
- Preparation of the tooth is irreversible
- The nerve of a heavily restored tooth may become inflamed and need root canal treatment
- Ceramic can chip, particularly if you grind your teeth
- Decay can develop at the edge of the crown if cleaning is poor
- Gum recession may expose the crown margin over time
Longevity and maintenance
With good cleaning and regular check-ups, crowns can last many years. Their lifespan depends on the material, the tooth, your bite and habits such as grinding. A night guard may be recommended to protect them.
What affects the cost
The cost of crowns depends on:
- The number of crowns
- The material (zirconia, E-max or PFM)
- Whether root canal treatment or build-up is needed first
- Whether crowns are on natural teeth or implants
We do not publish fixed prices because every plan is different. After reviewing your X-rays or scans, we send a written, itemised quote.
Compared with alternatives
| Material | Strength | Appearance | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zirconia | Very high | Natural, metal-free | Back and front teeth |
| E-max | High | Very natural translucency | Front teeth |
| Porcelain fused to metal | High | Good; metal base | Budget-conscious restorations |
If you are travelling to us
Crowns can usually be completed in one visit lasting several days. Plan a quieter final day in case a small adjustment is needed. If the tooth needs root canal treatment first, this may add time.
Frequently asked questions
Is zirconia better than E-max?
Neither is better in every case. Zirconia is stronger and suits back teeth and patients who grind; E-max is often chosen for front teeth because of its natural translucency. We recommend the material for each tooth.
Can a crown be whitened?
No. Crowns keep their colour. If you want whiter teeth, whitening should be done before crowns are matched.
Will the crown look like my other teeth?
We match shade and shape to your neighbouring teeth and check the result with you before final bonding.
How long will I need to stay?
Usually several days. Your plan gives the exact number.
Written by the Rubi Smile patient team to explain treatment options in plain language. Clinical review by a Rubi Smile dentist is scheduled before publication. Pending clinical review
Related treatments
Porcelain Veneers
Thin E-max or Empress ceramic shells that change colour, shape and symmetry with minimal preparation.
Root Canal Treatment
Cleaning and sealing the inside of an infected tooth to relieve pain and save the tooth.
Dental Implants
A titanium root and a fixed crown to replace one tooth, several teeth or support a bridge.
Start with a conversation, not a commitment.
Send us your questions and, if you have them, recent X-rays or photos. A dentist reviews your case and our coordinators explain the options, the likely timeline and the cost before you plan any travel.