Dental Crowns

Dental Crowns

A dental crown is a dental prosthesis which replaces the visible part of a tooth. It is used to strengthen teeth, restore their shape and improve their appearance.

​They are most commonly used to repair teeth which are at risk. For example, if there is little tooth structure remaining or the quality of the remaining structure is poor.

​If you are looking to replace teeth for predominantly aesthetic purposes and your teeth are in good condition, veneers may be a more suitable option.

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A dental crown is a custom-made cap that fits over your entire tooth, restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance. It covers the visible portion of the tooth above the gum line and is cemented into place by your dentist. Crowns are one of the most effective ways to save and protect a damaged tooth that might otherwise need to be removed.

Your dentist may recommend a crown for several reasons:

  • To protect a tooth that has been weakened by decay, a large filling, or a crack, and is at risk of fracturing
  • To restore a tooth after root canal treatment, which can leave the tooth more fragile
  • To cover and support a tooth with a very large filling when there is not much natural tooth structure remaining
  • To improve the appearance of a misshapen or severely discoloured tooth
  • To restore a tooth that has been worn down by grinding, erosion, or other causes
  • To act as the final restoration on a dental implant
  • To anchor a dental bridge in place

Crowns can be made from several different materials, and your dentist will help you choose the best option for your situation:

  • All-ceramic or porcelain crowns: These offer the most natural appearance and are an excellent choice for front teeth. Lithium disilicate (e.g. e.max) is a popular ceramic material known for its good strength and superior aesthetics.
  • Zirconia crowns: These are very strong and durable. They are particularly useful for back teeth or where there is limited space.
  • Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns: These have a metal base covered with a tooth-coloured porcelain layer, combining strength with a natural look.
  • Metal or gold crowns: These are extremely durable and require less tooth removal. They are often used on back teeth where appearance is less of a concern.

Getting a crown usually involves two visits:

Visit 1: Preparation

Your dentist will numb the area with local anaesthetic. The tooth is then carefully shaped to make room for the crown. An impression or digital scan of the prepared tooth and surrounding teeth is taken and sent to a dental laboratory, where skilled technicians custom-make your crown. A temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth while you wait for the permanent one.

Visit 2: Fitting

Once your crown is ready, the temporary crown is removed. Your dentist will check the fit, colour, and shape of the new crown, then cement it permanently in place. You will be asked to bite down so the dentist can make any fine adjustments to ensure the crown sits comfortably and does not interfere with your bite.

With proper care, dental crowns can last many years, with some known to last 30 years+. Teeth restored with complete-coverage crowns shortly after root canal treatment tend to have a higher survival rate.

Dental crowns are a safe and well-established treatment. Occasionally, a crown may chip, loosen, or come off. Some patients may experience temporary sensitivity to hot or cold after the procedure. In rare cases, further treatment such as root canal therapy may be needed if the nerve inside the tooth becomes irritated. Your dentist will discuss any specific risks with you before treatment.

At MedCentral Dental, we can provide you with a written quote or cost estimate prior to commencing a course of treatment, including an itemised quotation of proposed charges. Be sure to ask about what your health fund may cover, as benefits vary between policies.

If you have any questions about whether a crown is right for you, please do not hesitate to ask us. We are here to help you make the best decision for your oral health.

At MedCentral Dental, We Accept All Health Funds!

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Dr Raymond AU

Principal Dentist

Speaks English and Vietnamese

Born and raised in Melbourne, Dr Raymond has spent several years working across both private and public practices in metropolitan Melbourne and rural Victoria. This diverse experience has strengthened his ability to connect with individuals and families from all walks of life, allowing him to deliver care that feels both personalised and accessible.

With a strong focus on family dentistry, Dr Raymond is experienced in both general and cosmetic dentistry, supporting patients at every stage of life. He is particularly proficient in wisdom teeth extractions, and has a special interest in clear aligner treatment and smile makeovers – including porcelain veneers, crowns and bridges.

Known for his calm and reassuring manner, Dr Raymond is especially attentive to patients who may feel anxious about dental visits. He creates a relaxed, supportive environment designed to ease concerns and build trust over time. His goal is to make every appointment a positive experience and believes that visiting the dentist should feel comfortable, not confronting.

Outside the practice, he enjoys travelling, playing tennis, and spending quality time with family and friends.

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Dr Emily Pow

Dr Emily was born in Melbourne and was raised in the local Knox area. She previously worked in private practices across Melbourne, and has worked for the public sector at the Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne.

She also gained a significant amount of experience working previously as the Hospital Dental Officer at Monash Medical Centre where she treated medically compromised, special needs and cancer patients.

She enjoys most aspects of dentistry including cosmetic dentistry and working with children. She has a special interest in the area of orthodontics (braces, clear aligners and early intervention) and can provide Myobrace treatment.

Dr Emily is currently undergoing a Post Graduate Diploma in Orthodontics to further her passion in this area.

She loves helping her patients with clear aligner treatment so that they can smile confidently.

In her spare time, Dr Emily enjoys going out for good food, spending time with family and going on nature walks with her dog Chino.

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Dr Lilian Phu

Dr Lilian Phu graduated from the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Biomedicine (Honours) and Doctor of Dental Surgery. Her passion for helping people achieve their dental and oral health goals is reflected by the quality, care and attention she gives to each patient she encounters. Additionally, her friendly and bubbly nature will be sure to bring a smile on anyone’s face.

Dr Lilian is also a preclinical supervisor for dental students at Melbourne University, sharing her knowledge with the future generation of dentists.

In order to deliver the best dental care to her patients, she regularly attends continuing education courses and is currently undertaking a two-year postgraduate course in orthodontics. Dr Lilian has a special interest in implants and clear aligner treatment, and can talk to you about how you can improve your smile.

Outside of dentistry, she enjoys digital drawing and spending time with her loved ones including a dog and three cats.

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Dr Edward Wang

Speaks English

Education:

Edward is a kind and caring dentist who is dedicated to providing his patients with high quality dental care while prioritizing patient comfort to ensure that his patients have a positive experience.

Edward believes in taking a more patient-centered approach to dental care, whether it be by providing information to patients about prevention of dental disease, or by providing and explaining all available treatment options so that patients can be fully informed about their oral healthcare.

Outside of work, you’ll find Edward playing volleyball or in the kitchen as he enjoys cooking dishes from many different cuisines from around the world.

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