Dental Crowns at Totally Smiles

A damaged, weakened or worn tooth doesn’t always need to be removed. In many cases, a dental crown can restore its strength, function and appearance while protecting it from further damage. Totally Smiles provides custom dental crowns designed to look and feel like your natural teeth whether your tooth has been affected by decay, injury or wear, a crown can offer a durable, long-lasting way to smile, speak and eat with confidence. With Totally Smiles centres across Victoria and Queensland including Geelong, Pakenham, Indooroopilly, Morningside and Townsville help may be closer than you think.

What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a custom made cap that completely covers a damaged or weakened tooth. Once fitted, it restores the tooth’s natural shape, size and strength while protecting the remaining tooth structure. Crowns are crafted to match the colour and contours of your surrounding teeth, for a natural looking restoration that blends with your smile.

When Is a Dental Crown Recommended?

Your dentist may recommend a crown for a range of restorative and cosmetic reasons, such as to:

• restore a broken or fractured tooth
• protect a weakened tooth from further damage
• strengthen a tooth after root canal treatment
• repair a tooth with a large filling
• restore worn or heavily damaged teeth
• improve the appearance of misshapen or discoloured teeth
• replace a missing tooth as part of a dental implant
• support a dental bridge

Every treatment plan is personalised, and your dentist will discuss whether a crown is the most appropriate option for you. Many patients are referred for a crown after another procedure, such as a root canal or a large filling, so it’s often one step within a broader treatment plan rather than a standalone decision.

Benefits of Dental Crowns

Crowns offer both functional and aesthetic benefits, helping restore your smile while protecting your long-term oral health. They can:

• restore strength to a damaged tooth
• protect a weakened tooth from further fracture
• improve the appearance of your smile
• restore normal chewing and biting function
• provide a long-lasting restoration
• match the colour of your natural teeth
• help preserve your natural tooth wherever possible

Because a crown covers the entire visible portion of the tooth, it tends to offer a level of protection that smaller restorations can’t match once damage has progressed far enough. With proper care, crowns can provide many years of reliable performance.

What to Expect During Dental Crown Treatment

Receiving a crown typically requires two appointments.

Initial consultation. Your dentist examines the tooth, discusses your symptoms and goals, and takes digital x-rays if required. If a crown is the right option, a personalised treatment plan is created.

Preparing the tooth. The tooth is carefully reshaped to create space for the crown while preserving as much healthy structure as possible. Digital scans or impressions are then taken to create your custom crown, and a temporary crown may be fitted to protect the tooth while the permanent one is made.

Fitting your crown. Once your custom crown is ready, your dentist checks the fit, colour and bite before securely bonding it into place leaving a restoration that feels comfortable, functions naturally, and blends with your surrounding teeth.

Types of Dental Crowns

Several materials can be used, depending on the location of the tooth, your aesthetic goals and functional needs. Your dentist may recommend crowns made from:

• All-ceramic or porcelain — for a highly natural appearance.
• Porcelain fused to metal — for a balance of strength and aesthetics.
• Zirconia — known for its strength and durability.
• Gold or other metal alloys — in selected clinical situations.

Your dentist will explain the benefits of each and help you choose, taking into account where the tooth sits and how much biting force it needs to withstand.

How Much Does a Dental Crown Cost?

The cost of a dental crown depends on the material used, the tooth involved, and whether other treatment (such as a root canal) is needed first. Many patients put private health extras cover towards crowns, though the amount depends on your level of cover. We’re happy to explain what your fund may cover and provide an estimate before treatment begins.

Dental Crowns or Fillings?

Fillings are well suited to repairing small areas of damage. But larger fractures or extensive decay can leave too little healthy tooth structure to support a filling. In those situations, a crown provides greater protection by covering the whole tooth, restoring its strength and reducing the risk of further damage. Your dentist will recommend the most suitable treatment based on the condition of your tooth.

Caring for Your Dental Crown

Looking after a crown is much like caring for your natural teeth. To help it last:

• brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
• floss carefully around the crown every day
• attend regular check-ups and professional cleans
• avoid chewing hard objects such as ice or pens
• wear a custom mouthguard if you grind your teeth or play contact sport

Good oral hygiene helps protect both the crown and the underlying natural tooth.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do dental crowns last?

With good care, crowns can last many years, though this varies with the material used and how well the crown and surrounding tooth are maintained. Your dentist can discuss realistic expectations for your situation.

Is getting a dental crown painful?

Tooth preparation is generally carried out under local anaesthesia, so discomfort during the procedure should be minimal. Some sensitivity is common in the days afterwards, and your dentist will explain how to manage it.

How much does a dental crown cost?

It depends on the material, the tooth involved, and whether any other treatment is needed first. Many patients use private health extras cover towards crowns, with the amount depending on your level of cover. We can help you understand what your fund may cover before treatment begins.

Which crown material is right for me?

This depends on which tooth is being treated, how much chewing force it needs to withstand, and your aesthetic preferences. Your dentist will talk through the suitable options during your consultation.

Do I need a crown or a filling?

Fillings suit small areas of damage, while crowns are used when a larger fracture or extensive decay leaves too little tooth structure to support a filling. Your dentist will recommend the most appropriate option based on your tooth.

Where can I get a dental crown near me?

Totally Smiles has centres across Victoria and Queensland, including Geelong, Pakenham, Indooroopilly, Morningside and Townsville. Contact the team or book online to find your nearest practice and arrange a consultation.