01Four ways to restore a tooth
Inlay
For medium damage: only the missing piece is made in the lab and bonded in.
Crown
For large damage or after a root canal: covers the whole tooth like a cap.
Veneer
A very thin layer is removed and a porcelain shell bonded on to improve colour, shape and small gaps (mostly front teeth).
Post & core
When too little tooth is left, a post is placed in the root for support before the crown.
02How a crown is made
- 1
Check & plan
We check the tooth and root and choose material and shade.
- 2
Prepare & scan
The tooth is shaped and a mould or digital scan is taken.
- 3
Temporary crown
A temporary crown protects the tooth meanwhile.
- 4
Try-in & cement
Colour and bite are checked, adjusted, then the crown is cemented.
03Zirconia crowns
Metal-free. Zirconia can be used for front and back teeth.
04Other crowns
Porcelain-fused-to-metal
Porcelain over a metal core; a metal line may show at the gum over time.
Pressed ceramic
Glass ceramic, mostly used for front teeth.
Hybrid ceramic
A resin–ceramic blend with some flexibility.
Metal crown
Pure titanium, mostly for back teeth.
05Posts and cores
Posts can be fibre, ceramic or titanium; your dentist chooses based on the tooth.
06Veneers
Veneers need very little tooth removal and are used for colour, small chips and small gaps.
※ Veneers may not suit very crooked teeth or a heavy bite — the dentist will assess this.
07Aftercare
Caring for your new teeth
- Avoid hard and sticky food while wearing a temporary
- Go gently on the day the crown is cemented; eat normally from the next day
- Edges of crowns can still decay — brush and floss carefully
- If you grind at night, wear a night guard
- Check-ups every 6–12 months