Veneers & Crowns
Learn about smile makeovers with veneers and crowns, materials, durability, and maintenance.
125 questions
How are crowns removed?
Professional removal involves precision tools to detach the unit while preserving the natural tooth underneath. Dentists typically use an ultrasonic scaler to vibrate and loosen the cement or a specialized 'crown remover' tool that applies a gentle percussive force. If the unit is being replaced, the dentist may section (cut) the material with a high-speed drill and gently pry it off, ensuring no unnecessary stress is placed on the tooth's root system.
What type of dentist does crowns and bridges?
General dentists are trained to perform most restorative procedures, including fitting crowns and bridges. However, for complex cases involving multiple units or full-mouth reconstruction, a Prosthodontist is the specialist required. Prosthodontists undergo years of additional advanced training focusing specifically on the restoration and replacement of teeth to ensure optimal functional and aesthetic outcomes.
What crowns do NHS use?
The NHS utilizes a range of materials selected based on clinical durability rather than aesthetics. This includes Porcelain Bonded to Precious Metal (PFM) or full ceramic for anterior teeth to provide a natural look. For posterior molars, the NHS often utilizes metal alloys (non-precious or gold-colored) because they require less tooth reduction and offer superior longevity under heavy chewing pressure compared to lower-cost ceramics.
How many crowns can you have in your mouth?
Technically, a restoration can be placed on every single natural tooth in the mouth if clinically necessary. While it is uncommon for a patient to require 28 to 32 units, it is often performed during a 'full-mouth reconstruction' to correct extensive wear, decay, or bite alignment issues. There is no biological limit to the number of restorations, provided each underlying tooth root is healthy and the surrounding gum tissue is stable.
Why do they ask if you have crowns before surgery?
Medical teams ask this because during general anesthesia, a breathing tube (intubation) is often inserted. The instruments used, such as a laryngoscope, can put pressure on the teeth. If a restoration is loose or fragile, it could be dislodged and accidentally swallowed or inhaled into the lungs. Knowing about dental work allows the anesthesiologist to take extra precautions to protect your restorations and ensure your airway remains safe and clear.
Are gold dental crowns worth anything?
Yes, gold restorations have significant scrap value because they are typically made of a 10-karat to 16-karat gold alloy. If a gold unit is removed, it remains the legal property of the patient. Specialized precious metal refiners can purchase these old restorations based on their weight and the current market price of gold. While a single unit won't make you wealthy, it often has a cash value ranging from £40 to over £100 depending on the gold content.
What are silver crowns made of?
Restorations that appear silver are rarely made of pure silver, as it is too soft and tarnishes easily. Instead, they are typically made of stainless steel (common for children's temporary use) or a 'base-metal' alloy containing cobalt, chromium, or nickel. In some cases, high-quality 'silver' restorations are actually made of white gold or a palladium-silver alloy, which provide excellent strength and biocompatibility for posterior teeth.
Does Hismile work on crowns?
Hismile products, including their PAP+ whitening formulas, are designed to oxidize organic stains on natural tooth enamel. Like all whitening treatments, they will not lighten the shade of dental porcelain, zirconia, or composite resin. While Hismile is safe to use and will not damage your restorations, it will only brighten the surrounding natural teeth, potentially making the restoration appear darker by comparison if the surrounding shade changes significantly.
How to remove stains from porcelain crowns at home?
True porcelain is non-porous and highly stain-resistant, so most 'stains' are actually surface deposits. You can safely attempt to remove these by brushing with a soft toothbrush and a non-abrasive toothpaste. A mixture of baking soda and water used gently once a week can also help. However, you must avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive 'whitening' pastes, as these can scratch the protective glaze, making the unit more prone to future staining and plaque buildup.
Dentists who do crowns?
Almost all general dentists are qualified to perform restorative work including crowns and bridges. If you have a standard clinical need, your regular dentist is the best place to start. For highly complex cases, such as replacing teeth in the 'smile zone' or full-mouth reconstruction, you may seek a Prosthodontist. These specialists have advanced training in the aesthetics and functional mechanics of complex dental prosthetics.
How to polish porcelain crowns at home?
It is not possible to professionally 'polish' dental porcelain at home because the smooth finish is achieved through a high-temperature kiln firing (glazing) or specialized clinical polishing wheels. Using home abrasives will actually dull the surface. To maintain the shine, focus on keeping the surface perfectly clean by brushing with a non-abrasive fluoride gel. If your restoration feels rough or looks dull, a dentist can use professional polishing discs to restore the luster in a matter of minutes.
What karat gold is used in dental crowns?
Dental gold is never pure 24-karat gold, as it would be too soft to withstand chewing forces. Instead, dentists use 'high-noble' alloys which are typically between 10-karat and 16-karat (approx. 40% to 60% gold). These alloys are blended with metals like silver, platinum, or palladium to increase hardness and ensure the restoration fits precisely while remaining biocompatible with the oral environment.
What do teeth look like under crowns?
A tooth prepared for a restoration looks like a miniature version of a natural tooth, often described as a small 'peg' or 'stump'. The dentist carefully removes about 1mm to 2mm of the outer enamel and structure to create enough space for the restorative material to fit over it like a cap. This ensures the final result matches the size of your original tooth. The prepared surface is usually smooth but may appear slightly darker than natural enamel due to the lack of its outer translucent layer.
How to darken dental crowns?
You cannot darken a finished restoration at home. If the shade is too light compared to your natural teeth, a dentist must send the unit back to the lab to have extra ceramic stains applied and re-fired in a kiln. If the restoration is already permanently bonded, it cannot be modified; the only clinical solution is to replace it with a new unit in a darker, more natural shade that matches your surrounding dentition.
Does Denplan cover crowns?
Denplan coverage depends on the specific policy you have. Denplan Care (a comprehensive plan) typically covers the clinical labor of fitting a restoration, but patients usually have to pay the laboratory fee (the cost of making the unit itself). Denplan Essentials focuses mainly on checkups and cleanings and may only offer a discount on restorative work. Always verify with your specific provider to understand your contribution towards laboratory costs.
How to floss crowns?
Flossing a restoration is similar to flossing a natural tooth, but you must be careful not to pull the floss upward. Instead, slide the floss between the teeth, move it gently up and down against the sides of the restoration, and then pull it out horizontally through the side. This prevents you from accidentally catching the edge of the restoration and 'popping' it off. Using a water flosser or interdental brushes is often even safer and more effective for cleaning the margins.
Can you bleach crowns?
No, dental restorative materials like ceramic, zirconia, and porcelain are completely resistant to bleaching gels. Bleaching only affects natural tooth structure. If you attempt to bleach your teeth, your natural enamel will whiten, but the restoration will remain its original color, which may result in a mismatched smile. To change the color of a restoration, it must be completely removed and replaced with a new unit.
