A crown (or cap) is fitted if a tooth has become weak, broken or worn down. Your dentist will take an x-ray to assess the suitability of your tooth prior to providing a crown.

Your tooth will need to be shaped and moulds will be taken and sent to a special dental laboratory that makes custom made crowns, which usually takes two weeks. A temporary crown is usually fitted to protect your tooth until the permanent crown is ready.

Crowns can be made of various materials, including metal, ceramic, gold and porcelain that is reinforced for strength with metal inside.