Crowns & Bridges

Tooth crowns replace the lost structure of the tooth and replaces the dome of the tooth. By fixing the tooth with a crown, prevents the outside of the tooth from breaking.

What is a Biomimetic Dental Crown and why are they better?

Compared to traditional crowns, biomimetic dental crowns…

• Cost Less

• Take less time, done in 1 appointment

• Fit better

• Look better

• Last Longer

The biomimetically restored tooth mimics the strength, function, and esthetics of natural teeth. Biomimetic restorations include composite fillings, partial coverage restorations, and when necessary, full-coverage ceramic restorations.

More generally, a dental crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” made most frequently from Ceramic or Porcelain (and occasionally precious metals) which fits over your remaining tooth structure. We believe in preserving as much natural tooth structure as possible so, often we will recommend a Ceramic or Porcelain restoration over a more traditional crown.  Crowns are passion of Dr Dave Richards.

Other FAQ’s from Dental Crowns Auckland patients

How much does a dental crown cost in NZ?

Porcelain dental crowns cost between $1350 -$1950 on average

How long do crowns last?

Research shows that porcelain dental crowns last 15yrs +

What type of dentistry is a crown?

Restorative dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, general dentistry.

Why are tooth crowns so expensive?

There are many steps involved in lab crowns including the lab technician to make the crown custom made to the individuals mouth.

In-house crowns made by the dentist that need expensive 3D equipment in order to mill and customise the crown within the office. The advantages of in-house is that it is completed in one visit.

Which crown is best for teeth?

It all depends on the patients bite and the diagnosis of the patient but the research shows that porcelain crowns have the best strength, longevity and natural appearance.

What is the best material for dental crowns?

In our opinion its Lithium di-silicate

Does dental insurance cover crowns?

Yes, Southern cross covers dental crowns.

How much does a front tooth crown cost?

Front and back teeth are the same value with a similar process.

What is the difference between a cap and a crown?

A cap was an old saying that people used to use for a crown. It’s just another way people view a crown, they say “can you cap my tooth”, meaning can you crown my tooth.

A cap means replace the helmet of the tooth. A crown is the helmet of the tooth.

Do gums grow back after crown lengthening?

Yes, Gums will repair around the bone and re-attach to the neck of the tooth.

Which dental crowns last the longest?

Research shows porcelain crowns have the longest longevity depending on the patients bite.

Why do crowns fail?

Crowns fail if the crown is an old retention crown and it is worn due to a heavy bite from the patient and poor oral hygiene.

What happens if you don’t replace a crown?

Crowns only need replacing if old crowns are failing at the margins, where the tooth meets the prosthetic crown due to poor oral hygiene.

Why do people get tooth crowns?

Strength, longevity, natural aesthetic look, strengthen naturally weakened teeth.

Can crowns be whitened?

No

How bad can a tooth be and still get a crown?

There has to be some tooth to bond to and the experience of the dentist, will determine if the tooth can be saved with a crown or not.

Are crowns as strong as real teeth?

Crowns are 4 times the strength of a real tooth

Do cracked teeth need crowns?

Yes. Cracked teeth need the support from a crown to help lock in the crack to stop it braking further.

Are crowns or veneers better?

Crowns and veneers are the same material (porcelain). Veneers are very thin strips of porcelain bonded to a very light preparation on the front teeth.

Are tooth crowns safe?

Yes they are biocompatible and do not leak any toxins.

Are gold crowns better than porcelain?

Gold crowns are a great material but are aesthetically not pleasing to 95% of the population

Which is better zirconia or porcelain crown?

Depending on the patients bite porcelain is a softer material compared to Zirconia. If the dental material is too hard, then you can bruise the ligament of the root. I tend to use porcelain to protect the root ligament, as Zirconia is very hard on the root ligament.

Are silver crowns safe?

Silver crowns are used in children with rampant caries. They do not last long and are a simple treatment option for children to put a silver crown on with a Fl- cement to help preserve the baby teeth until it naturally falls out.

What is a ceramic or porcelain restoration?

This is the material used to replace or rebuild tooth structure. The benefits of using this material over other materials or conventional composite resin (white filling) material for dental crowns is:

Strength – Our teeth are the gateway to our body and therefore the top priority is function. Ceramic and Porcelain materials are much harder wearing than composite resin materials and remain the closest comparison to a natural tooth strength.

Natural appearance – As well as being the closest strength to a natural tooth structure for dental crowns, the appearance of Ceramic or Porcelain restorations are the closest match to natural tooth enamel.  We also have the ability to reflect the natural patterns, shades and markings in your teeth, with porcelain paints.

Preserve as much natural tooth structure as possible – As these bonded restorations are not dependent on retention to hold in place we are able to remove less natural tooth structure when preparing your tooth for a Ceramic or Porcelain Restoration.  This more modern approach is less offensive to the nerves in your tooth, meaning you are far less likely to experience issues.

Less time in the dental chair – As Ceramic and Porcelain materials are harder wearing and last longer (Sometimes these restorations will last 3 or 4 times as long as other filling materials for dental crowns) you will not require replacement of these restorations as often or ever in comparison to other filling materials provided, if you maintain good oral hygiene habits and routine visits to your dentist or hygienist.