Dental crowns
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers a damaged or weakened tooth to protect it and restore its shape. At Y3 Smiles Dental in Broadmeadows, a crown usually takes two appointments.
What is dental crowns?
A crown restores a tooth that is damaged but still worth keeping. A crown fits over the whole visible part of a tooth, protecting and strengthening it. It's often used for a tooth that is cracked, heavily filled, badly worn or has had root canal treatment. It is custom-made to match your natural teeth in shape and colour. Getting a crown usually involves two appointments. At the first, the tooth is gently shaped and an impression is taken, and a temporary crown may be placed to protect it. The crown is then made by a dental laboratory and fitted, adjusted and bonded at the second visit. With good care, a crown can last many years. The information on this page is general education, and your dentist will assess what suits your teeth.
When might you need dental crowns?
A cracked or broken tooth
A crown holds a weakened tooth together and protects it from breaking further.
A large or failing filling
When there's more filling than tooth, a crown can be a stronger long-term option.
After root canal treatment
Root-treated teeth often need a crown to protect them.
What happens, in short
Consultation
We look at your dental health, talk through your goals and explain the options.
Tooth preparation
The tooth is numbed and gently shaped to make room for the crown.
Impressions and temporary
Precise impressions are taken so the crown fits your bite, and a temporary may be placed while the permanent one is made.
Final placement
Your crown is fitted, adjusted and securely bonded.
Ongoing care
We show you how to look after it so it stays strong.
What does it cost?
A dental crown is from $1,600. Any work the tooth needs first is quoted after your assessment, and you get a written quote before treatment starts.
You get a written, itemised quote with item numbers before any treatment starts, so you can check it with your health fund. Health funds · Payment options
How long does it take to get a crown?
Usually two appointments: one to prepare the tooth and take an impression, and one to fit the crown once the laboratory has made it.
Timeframes can vary with the laboratory and your individual needs.
Will a crown look like a natural tooth?
Modern crowns are made from tooth-coloured materials that closely resemble natural teeth.
Your dentist will discuss material options and match the crown to the shade of your surrounding teeth where possible.
Do crowns need special care?
Care for a crowned tooth like a natural tooth: brush twice a day, floss and keep up regular check-ups.
Avoiding very hard foods helps protect it. You'll get specific aftercare advice when it's fitted.
What if the tooth is missing altogether?
Then a crown isn't the answer, because there's no tooth left to cover. A bridge, an implant or a denture can fill the gap.
Our dental bridges page explains how a bridge works, and your dentist can talk you through all three options.
Symptoms that can lead here
More about dental crowns
Other questions people ask
Does getting a crown hurt?
The tooth is numbed while it's prepared, so it shouldn't hurt. It can feel a little tender for a few days afterwards.
What should I do if my temporary crown comes off?
Keep it, avoid chewing on that side and call us so we can re-fit it. The tooth underneath needs protecting.
My new crown feels high when I bite. Is that normal?
It shouldn't feel high once the numbness wears off. Call us and we'll adjust it.
How long do crowns last?
With good care, crowns can last many years. How long depends on your bite, habits like grinding, and how well the tooth and gum are looked after.
Can I claim a crown on my health fund?
If your extras cover includes major dental, you can often claim part of it. We claim on the spot through HICAPS.
Can a crown come off or break?
It can happen, especially with very hard foods or grinding. If it does, keep the crown and call us.