What it is
A crown covers the tooth on all sides. To make space, the dentist trims the tooth down, which removes much more structure than a veneer does. On a healthy tooth this can irritate the nerve, and some trimmed teeth later need a root canal.
Common materials are zirconia (very strong, good for back teeth), lithium disilicate or e.max (very natural, good for front teeth) and porcelain fused to metal (older, cheaper, can show a grey line at the gum).
Crowns are a good treatment when they are needed. Ask whether each tooth really needs one, or whether a filling, onlay or veneer would do.
A typical schedule
- Day 1
Examination, X-rays, plan and price in writing.
- Day 2
Teeth prepared, scan taken, temporary crowns fitted.
- Day 3–5
Lab work. Free days.
- Day 5–7
Try-in, cementing, bite check. Fly home.
A typical pattern only. The clinic sets your real schedule after the examination. Try the holiday planner to see it as a trip.
Questions worth asking
- Why does this tooth need a crown rather than a filling, onlay or veneer?
- Which material, and why for this tooth?
- Do any of these teeth need a root canal first?
- Is the crown made in-house or in an outside lab?
- What does the warranty cover?