Dental crowns

What are "onlays" and "three-quarter crowns"?

Onlays and three-quarter crowns are variations on the technique of dental crowns. The difference between these crowns and the crowns discussed previously is their coverage of the underlying tooth. The "traditional" crown covers the entire tooth; onlays and three-quarter crowns cover the underlying tooth to a lesser extent.

How long do dental crowns last?

On average, dental crowns last between five and 15 years. The life span of a crown depends on the amount of "wear and tear" the crown is exposed to, how well you follow good oral hygiene practices, and your personal mouth-related habits (you should avoid such habits as grinding or clenching your teeth, chewing ice, biting your fingernails, and using your teeth to open packaging).

Does a crowned tooth require special care?

While a crowned tooth does not require any special care, remember that simply because a tooth is crowned does not mean the underlying tooth is protected from decay or gum disease . Therefore, continue to follow good oral hygiene practises, including brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing once a day -- especially around the crown area where the gum meets the tooth.

The cost of a crown

Having a tooth crowned is a costly procedure; even from an NHS dentist it can cost as much as £204. This price is subsidised and will cost even more from a private dentist. Pregnant women, and women who’ve had a baby in the 12 months before treatment starts, and certain other categories of patient, do not have to pay for NHS dentistry. These include children under 18 years old, or who are under 19 and in full-time education, and people receiving Income Support, income-based Job-seeker's Allowance or 'Pension credit guarantee credit’.