Crowns are made of many different materials including metals and ceramics. We prepare the tooth so it is the ideal shape for the crown. This will involve removing most of the outer surface, and leaving a strong inner core. The amount of the tooth removed will be the same as the thickness of the crown. Once the tooth is shaped, we can take an impression (mould) of the prepared tooth, one of the other jaw, and possibly another to mark the way you bite together.

The impressions are then given to the dental technician, along with details of the shade to use and other information needed for the crown to be made. Normally we like to make sure that the shape is absolutely perfect before we proceed to a permanent crown. So a patient is fitted with a temporary crown and waits 1-2 weeks for the crown to be made. Sometimes a provisional crown can be fitted which is used for a longer period of between 6-12 months. A provisional crown is created if tissues need to heal or if you have had an implant placed and do not want a space while the implant is integrating.