A patient often requires a crown when their tooth has a large filling that potentially weakens the tooth. A crown is an artificial covering that resembles a tooth and is placed over the weakened tooth in order to prevent further breakdown of the tooth.

Dental crowns are made from a number of different materials and these materials vary in price and are used depending on the request of the patient and their visibility in the mouth. A less expensive material may be used on back teeth that are less visible. The materials used are: Ceramic (porcelain-based) porcelain fused to metal, gold alloys and base metal alloys. A specially designed substance known as dental cement is used to bond the crown to the tooth. A crown is specifically designed to match the surrounding teeth. Your dentist here at Sunraysia Orthodontics & Dental will use an impression taken from your prepared tooth and send it off to a dental lab. Your permanent crown to be fabricated (made) at the lab and sent back to us. On your return visit to the dentist, your crown will be positioned and cemented onto your tooth.

A dental veneer is also used for damaged or stained teeth. A veneer consists of a very thin, tooth coloured shell and is commonly known as dental porcelain laminate or porcelain veneer. Veneers are bonded to the front of your tooth’s surface. This method improves the aesthetics of your smile and protects the remaining tooth from further damage.