You have a crown fitted to restore the shape and function of your teeth in a durable way. In addition, crowns also offer the solution when a tooth or molar does not provide enough grip for a new filling. Moreover, crowns can improve the appearance of your teeth, so that you get a beautiful smile again.
- Have full and partial crowns (inlays/onlays) fitted
- Crowns to restore the appearance and function of your teeth
- Treatment plan with a cost estimate before the treatment
Quick links
Via the menu below you can quickly navigate to the information you need.
- What is a crown?
- Partial crowns (inlays/onlays)
- When to have a crown fitted?
- The treatment
- Our dentist specialising in crowns
- Costs and reimbursement
- Contact
What is a crown?
A crown is a durable restoration for a tooth or molar. It is a cap of metal and/or porcelain that encloses your own tooth or molar. To fit a crown properly around the tooth or molar, your own tooth or molar is slightly reduced and shaped all around. With a crown, the original shape and function of the tooth or molar is restored or adjusted. Teeth or molars that have been extensively restored are safeguarded in this way.
Partial crowns (inlays/onlays)
In addition to a full crown, it is possible to durably restore a tooth or molar with a partial crown. In this case, the chewing surface of a molar is capped to strengthen the molar and protect it against cracks from chewing forces.
“This practice has a relaxed atmosphere. The dentist and his assistant put you at ease and the treatment is explained clearly in advance. I have been a patient at this practice since it was founded.”
Anonymous on Zorgkaart Nederland
When should I have a crown fitted?
If a tooth or molar has already been extensively restored several times with a filling, or when a root canal treatment has taken place, the situation may arise that there is insufficient grip for a new filling. This is often the case when a large part of the tooth or molar has been lost, for example due to tooth decay. Loss of tooth tissue is a reason to make a crown to restore and preserve a tooth or molar.
Another reason to make a crown is to improve the appearance of the teeth. In terms of shape and colour, it is also possible to beautify the teeth with the help of a crown.
The treatment: how is a crown fitted?
A treatment in which a crown is fitted takes place in several steps. For this, you often need to make two or three visits to the dentist.
1. Preparing the tooth or molar
To create enough room in the teeth for a crown, surrounding teeth or molars are prepared if necessary. This is done under local anaesthetic, so that the treatment is pain-free.
2. Taking a bite impression
Next, the dentist takes an impression of your bite, so that he can assess how your upper and lower teeth fit together and how large the crown needs to be.
3. Determining the colour of the crown
In consultation with the dentist, you determine the colour of the crown. We choose a colour that matches your own teeth and molars, so that the crown is indistinguishable from your real teeth.
4. Fitting a temporary crown
While the crown is being made, the dentist fits a temporary crown over the prepared tooth or molar for protection.
5. Fitting the permanent crown
During the last appointment, the dentist fits the permanent crown in your mouth.
In some cases, your own tooth or molar provides too little grip for a crown. In that case, the dentist will place a build-up as a base for a crown, for example an implant. Please contact us for more information or advice.
After-pain
After the treatment, the tooth or molar under the crown can be sensitive. The sensitivity is often temporary and disappears on its own. If this persists, we recommend contacting the practice.
Our dentist specialising in crowns and bridges
We have many years of experience in aesthetically improving the teeth with crowns and bridges.
The dentist is very competent and works in a calm manner. In case of complaints, I can always be seen quickly and they are very precise in keeping appointments.
Anonymous on Independer
Costs and reimbursement of crowns
The cost of a crown depends on the material and the costs of the dental laboratory where the crown is made. When a build-up is necessary to create enough grip for the crown, the costs are higher. We therefore advise you to ask the dentist for a cost estimate. You then use the cost estimate to enquire with your health insurer about the amount of the reimbursement you are entitled to. Crowns are not reimbursed from the basic health insurance, not even for children up to the age of eighteen. With supplementary insurance, you are in many cases entitled to a reimbursement, often a percentage of the costs.
Requesting a personal consultation in Utrecht
Do you have questions or would you like more information during a personal consultation? Then please contact us by sending an email to info@tandartsutrecht.nl or call the practice on 030 760 1267.
Look here for more information about crowns.
Frequently asked questions – Crowns
When does a dentist choose a crown instead of a large filling?
A crown is fitted when a tooth or molar is too severely damaged to repair with a filling. For example, when there is too little healthy tooth tissue left, or when a filling does not have enough grip. A crown is also often chosen after a root canal treatment, because the tooth is then more vulnerable and needs extra protection.
What materials are crowns made of and what are the advantages and disadvantages of each material?
Our crowns are made of porcelain. This is a strong, high-quality and beautiful tooth-coloured material, which makes the crown blend naturally with your own teeth. Within porcelain crowns, you can choose, among other things, zirconia or lithium disilicate. Zirconia is very hard and strong, but bonds less well. Lithium disilicate, on the other hand, bonds well to the tooth, but is slightly more fragile. Our dentist looks at which material best suits your teeth, the load on the crown and the desired aesthetic result in each situation.
How is the colour of a crown determined and how natural does it look in the end?
The colour of a crown is carefully determined with a special shade guide, often in natural light. The dentist compares the colour with your own teeth and chooses a shade that matches them as closely as possible. For an even more precise result, the dental laboratory can be involved. As a result, the crown usually blends in nicely with your natural teeth.
Can the colour of a crown change or discolour later?
A crown generally does not discolour like natural teeth. Materials such as ceramic and porcelain are colour-fast. However, surrounding teeth can discolour slightly over time, which can create a small colour difference.
Is fitting a crown painful?
Fitting a crown is usually not painful, because we anaesthetise the tooth beforehand. During the treatment, you may feel some pressure or vibrations, but no pain. The treatment usually consists of two appointments: first the tooth is prepared and you receive a temporary crown, after which the permanent crown is fitted. Afterwards, the tooth can be sensitive for a short time, but this usually passes quickly.
Can I eat and drink normally with a temporary crown?
With a temporary crown, you can eat and drink, but it is important to be careful. Wait until the anaesthetic has worn off and preferably choose soft food. Avoid hard, sticky or very hot and cold products and chew as much as possible on the other side of the mouth. This way you prevent the temporary crown from coming loose.
Can I eat everything with the final crown?
Yes, with a permanent crown you can in principle eat and drink normally again. The crown is sturdy and designed to function well with your teeth. It does remain wise to be careful with extremely hard products, such as nuts or ice cubes, to prevent damage.
How long does a crown last on average and what determines its lifespan?
A crown lasts 10 to 15 years on average, but can also last longer. The lifespan depends, among other things, on the material used, your oral hygiene and the load on the crown. With good care and regular check-ups, a crown can often continue to function well for years.
Contact
Maliekwartier Tandartsen
Koningslaan 62
3583 GP Utrecht
Opening hours
Monday: 08:00 am – 08:00 pm
Tuesday: 08:00 am – 08:00 pm
Wednesday: 08:00 am – 08:00 pm
Thursday: 08:00 am – 08:00 pm
Friday: 08:00 am – 04:00 pm
Weekend: Closed