Dental Crown Services across Smile On Clinics

Dental crowns are custom-made restorations designed to encase a damaged or weakened tooth to support its shape, strength and function. Across Smile On Clinics, practices nationwide provide dental crowns as part of comprehensive restorative dentistry, with treatment planning tailored to individual clinical needs, oral health goals and long-term outcomes.

Crowns may also be used in conjunction with other restorative treatments such as dental implants or bridges.

What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown (also called a “cap”) covers a tooth that has been damaged by decay, trauma, wear or large restorations. It helps to:

Protect a weakened tooth
Restore chewing function
Support the appearance of a visibly worn or discoloured tooth
Provide support to a tooth following root canal treatment

Crowns can be made from a variety of materials chosen based on strength, location and aesthetic requirements.

When Might a Crown Be Recommended?

A dental crown may be discussed if one or more of the following applies:

A tooth has extensive decay that cannot be restored with a filling
A large portion of the natural tooth has been lost or fractured
A tooth has undergone root canal treatment
A tooth requires support for a large filling
A cosmetically compromised tooth may benefit from improvement in shape or appearance
A tooth is part of a bridge or implant restoration

Not all damaged teeth require crowns; your clinician will assess whether a crown or another option (such as a filling, inlay/onlay or monitoring) is most appropriate.

Types of Crown Materials

The choice of crown material depends on clinical and aesthetic considerations, including location in the mouth, bite forces and desired appearance.

Common options include:

Porcelain/Ceramic Crowns

These are supported by crowns placed on the teeth either side of the gap and are commonly used when neighbouring teeth require restoration.

Designed to closely resemble natural tooth colour
Often used for visible front teeth
Biocompatible and aesthetic

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM)

Combines strength and aesthetic value
May be suitable for back teeth where chewing forces are greater

Metal or Alloy Crowns

Very durable and strong
Often used for molars that are less visible

Your clinician will explain the advantages and limitations of each option based on your individual case.

Same-Day Crowns

(CAD/CAM Technology)

Many practices within the Smile On Clinics network offer same-day crowns using computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology. These restorations are designed, fabricated and placed in a single appointment in suitable cases.

Potential features of same-day crowns:

Digital impressions (no traditional moulds in many cases)
On-site fabrication using CAD/CAM milling systems
In suitable cases, a final crown fitted on the same day as tooth preparation
Reduced number of visits compared to traditional crown workflows

Same-day crowns may be appropriate for selected clinical situations. Your clinician will assess whether this approach is suitable for your needs based on factors such as tooth position, crown material, bite forces and clinical complexity.

The Crown Treatment Process

While individual treatment plans vary, the dental crown process typically includes:

1. Comprehensive Assessment

Review of dental and medical history
Examination of the affected tooth and surrounding tissues
Diagnostic images (X-rays) if clinically indicated
Discussion of recommended options, benefits, risks and alternatives

2. Tooth Preparation

Removal of decayed or weakened tooth structure
Shaping of the remaining tooth to support the crown
Local anaesthesia is used to support comfort

3. Impressions or Digital Scanning

Traditional moulds or digital scans are taken to create a model of your mouth
For same-day crowns, a digital scan may be used for on-site design and milling

4. Restoration Fabrication

Custom fabrication in a dental laboratory (traditional crowns)
On-site milling for suitable same-day crowns (CAD/CAM)

5. Crown Placement

Fitting and adjusting the crown for proper fit and bite
Securing the crown with adhesive or cement
Final bite and comfort checks

6. Review and Aftercare

Guidance on post-treatment care
Future appointments to monitor function and hygienes

Comfort and Anaesthesia

Local anaesthesia is typically used to ensure comfort during tooth preparation and crown placement. Some patients may experience mild sensitivity after the procedure, which generally resolves within a short period.

Comfort options and pain-management approaches are discussed prior to treatment.

Longevity and Care

The lifespan of a dental crown varies based on:

Oral hygiene habits
Bite forces and dietary factors
Material used for the restoration
Regular professional maintenance
General health and functional habits (e.g., grinding/clenching)

Crowns are designed as a long-term solution, but no restoration lasts indefinitely. Regular dental check-ups enable clinicians to monitor the health of crowned teeth and recommend maintenance or replacement when appropriate.

Caring for Your Crown

To support the health and longevity of your crown:

Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
Floss daily, including around the crown margins
Attend regular dental cleanings and check-ups
Avoid chewing very hard objects or using teeth as tools
Discuss night-guard options if you grind or clench

Your clinician can provide personalised advice based on your needs.

Alternatives and Adjuncts

Depending on the condition of the tooth, alternatives to a crown may include:

Direct restorations (fillings or composite bonding)
Onlays or partial crowns
No treatment with monitoring (in limited cases)

Dental implants or bridges may be recommended where a tooth cannot be preserved.

A Patient-Centred, Evidence-Based Approach

Across Smile On Clinics, crown treatment is guided by:

Evidence-based dentistry
Clear explanation of findings, options and outcomes
Informed consent and shared decision-making
Focus on function, comfort and oral health

Book a Crown Assessment

If you have a broken, decayed, worn, or compromised tooth and would like to explore whether a dental crown might help restore function or appearance, contact your nearest Smile On Clinics practice to arrange an assessment.

Our clinicians will review your oral health, explain suitable options and create a plan tailored to you.

Important Information

This information is general in nature and does not replace a personalised dental consultation. Treatment suitability, procedures and outcomes vary and are determined following a clinical assessment by a registered dental practitioner.

All treatment images and videos are of Smile On Clinics patients and are shared with consent. No filters, AI editing or artificial lighting enhancements have been used.

Results vary between individuals. Outcomes, risks, complications, and recovery times vary for each person and procedure. Treatment results cannot be guaranteed.

This information is general in nature and is not medical advice. Before starting any treatment, please seek personalised guidance from a qualified, AHPRA-registered health practitioner. We always encourage considering a second opinion.

Dental Crowns