Cosmetic dentistry

Dental Crowns in Forest Hill, London

Does your tooth require protection and restoration
due to extensive decay, trauma, or following a root canal treatment?

A dental crown is a custom-made cap that completely covers your damaged tooth, restoring its function, shape, and natural appearance. Today, with technological advances, various options are available to you, including all-ceramic, zirconia, and even same-day crown services using the CEREC system.

This guide answers all your questions and concerns—from the types of materials and the fabrication process to longevity, cost, and aftercare—so you can confidently choose the best option to restore the health and beauty of your smile. We are committed to ensuring that this treatment is comfortable and pain-free.

What Is a Dental Crown and When Do You Need One?

It is a custom-made cap that fits completely over a damaged or weakened tooth, restoring its strength, shape, and appearance. It is also often called a ‘tooth cap’. Unlike a filling ( like a composite filling), which only repairs a portion of the tooth, a crown encases the entire visible part of the tooth that sits above the gum line. Crowns are typically made from various materials such as porcelain (ceramic), metal, or a combination of both, to provide both durability and a natural appearance.

When Might You Need a Dental Crown?

  • To protect a severely decayed tooth: When decay is so extensive that a regular filling cannot provide sufficient support.
  • To restore a broken or cracked tooth: To prevent further fracture and return the tooth to full function.
  • Following a root canal treatment: Root-treated teeth often become brittle, and a crown is essential to protect them from breaking.
  • To cover a misshapen or severely stained tooth: This is an ideal solution for cosmetic dentistry, as it can dramatically improve the appearance of your smile or as part of a smile makeover.
  • To support a dental bridge: Crowns are used as abutments to hold a bridge in place, replacing one or more missing teeth.

For patients seeking this treatment, consulting with the best practitioner, Dr Arman Barfeie in London, is highly recommended.

A smiling couple showcasing their bright, healthy smiles

Different Types of Dental Crowns

Choosing the type of dental crown depends on factors such as the tooth’s location (front or back), your aesthetic preference, and your budget. Each material has its own specific advantages and disadvantages, and your dentist will help you choose the best option based on your individual needs. Here, we outline the most common materials used for crafting crowns:

  1. All-Porcelain / All-Ceramic Crowns
    These crowns offer the most natural appearance, closely matching natural tooth enamel in both translucency and colour. They are ideal for front teeth, where aesthetics are the top priority. Modern materials like zirconia—a type of extremely strong ceramic—provide high durability and are now also widely used for back teeth.
  2. Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns (PFM)
    These crowns have a strong metal core covered by a layer of porcelain. They provide a combination of high strength (from the metal) and a natural appearance (from the porcelain). Their only potential drawback is that over time, a dark line may become visible near the gumline (from the underlying metal), particularly if the gums recede slightly.
  3.  Full Metal Crowns (Gold or Other Alloys)
    Typically made from gold or other metal alloys, these crowns offer the greatest durability and strength and are highly resistant to wear. As they require the least amount of tooth preparation, they are the most conservative option for preserving tooth structure. Their main drawback is their metallic colour, making them unsuitable for front teeth, but they are an excellent choice for less visible molars. For a detailed discussion on which type is best for you, a consultation for crowns at our practice in London is necessary, so book your appointment today.

Same Day Crowns: Faster, Easier, and Just as Strong

Did you know you can now receive a brand new dental crown in just one appointment without the need for traditional impressions? CEREC  technology (an acronym for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) makes this possible. This means you can leave the dental surgery with your complete smile in just one visit, without needing a temporary crown or a wait of several weeks for a laboratory to fabricate it. This process is not only far more convenient, but the result is just as strong and durable as traditional crowns.

How Does the Quick and Comfortable CEREC Process Work?

  • Digital Scan: Instead of using unpleasant impression paste, Dr Arman uses an advanced optical scanner to create a precise 3D digital image of your tooth.
  • Computer-Aided Design (CAD): Our best prosthodontist designs your new crown directly on a computer screen, ensuring its size, shape, and fit are perfectly accurate.
  • Precise Milling (CAM): The design file is sent to a precision milling machine in the surgery, which carves your crown from a solid block of high-quality zirconia ceramic. This process takes approximately 15-20 minutes.
  • Fitting: The dentist checks the milled crown for colour and fit, then permanently cements it onto your tooth.

You can complete your entire treatment in just one visit, often in less than two hours, and leave with your new, permanent crown fitted and ready to enjoy. For those seeking this remarkably efficient and convenient service, it is a premier offering at the practice of Dr Arman Barfeie, making it one of the most sought-after solutions for crown tooth in London.

Porcelain Crowns vs CEREC Crowns – What’s the Difference?

The choice between these two methods often comes down to a decision between speed and convenience versus handcrafted artistry. CEREC crowns, milled from a solid block of high-density zirconia ceramic, offer exceptional strength and are suitable for both front and back teeth. In contrast, traditional porcelain crowns crafted in a laboratory can be made from various materials, such as feldspathic porcelain or layered zirconia, which allows a skilled technician to create more subtle aesthetic details.

Criterion

CEREC Crowns (Same-Day)

Traditional Laboratory Crowns

Treatment Time

1 visit (approx. 2 hours)

2 visits (2-3 weeks apart)

Impression Process

Digital scan (comfortable & quick)

Putty mould (can be unpleasant)

Aesthetics

Very good and natural

Excellent (with potential for high customisation by a technician)

Materials

Solid zirconia (highly durable)

Greater variety (all-porcelain, PFM, layered zirconia)

If you require speed, convenience, and a strong, predictable result, CEREC is the superior choice. If you are seeking the highest level of aesthetics and artistic nuance, particularly for front teeth, and are not in a hurry, a laboratory-made crown crafted by a skilled technician may be preferred. Your dentist can help you choose the best option based on your specific needs.

Before and After Dental Crowns: Strength and Beauty Restored

Imagine a tooth that was severely decayed, broken, or left weak and brittle after a root canal treatment could now return to full function while also possessing a flawless, natural appearance. This transformation is precisely what a high-quality crown provides. Before treatment: You might experience pain, avoid chewing on one side of your mouth, or feel self-conscious about your tooth’s appearance. After treatment, the crown acts as a strong, protective cap for the vulnerable tooth underneath, eliminating discomfort and restoring your ability to chew without restriction. Aesthetically, a well-made crown is designed to match your adjacent teeth perfectly in colour, shape, size, and shine, creating a uniform, healthy-looking smile.

The results of crown treatment go beyond physical restoration. The procedure restores a sense of security and confidence. Our patients often report that after receiving a crown, they can not only eat without pain but also smile and socialise with greater self-assurance. Whether the crown is used to rebuild a tooth that has lost its structure to extensive decay or to cover a misshapen or severely stained tooth, the result is the same: a tooth that is both strong and beautiful. With proper care, including good oral hygiene and regular check-ups, these results can last for 10 to 15 years or even longer. For a durable and aesthetically pleasing solution, considering dental crowns from a reputable practice in London is a significant investment in your long-term oral health and well-being. So call us now.

dental crown being placed over a tooth

What Is the Process of Getting a Dental Crown?

Receiving a dental crown in London typically requires two dental visits. The process is very comfortable, and your dentist will ensure you feel at ease at every stage.

First Visit: Preparation and Impression Taking

  • Preparation: Dr Arman will numb the area so you feel no pain. They will then carefully reshape the tooth to create the necessary space for the new crown.
  • Impression: A digital impression (using a small scanner) or a physical impression (using a soft putty) is taken of the prepared tooth. This impression is sent to a laboratory where your permanent crown will be custom-made.
  • Temporary Crown: A temporary plastic crown is placed over your tooth to protect it and maintain its appearance while the final crown is being fabricated.

Second Visit: Fitting the Permanent Crown
Approximately two weeks later, you will return for your second visit. The dentist will remove the temporary crown. They will then try the permanent crown, which has been crafted in the laboratory, to check its fit and colour. Once everything is confirmed to be perfect by Dr Arman, it will be permanently cemented onto your tooth. That’s it! You can now use your restored tooth normally. For those considering this treatment, understanding the process for receiving dental crowns at our practice can help you feel prepared and informed.

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

With proper care, a high-quality dental crown typically lasts between 5 to 15 years on average, with many lasting considerably longer. Its exact lifespan depends on factors such as the crown’s material, the health of the underlying tooth, and most importantly, your oral care habits. Full metal crowns, like gold, are usually the most durable, while all-ceramic crowns, prized for their natural appearance, may require more attention over time. Your main goal should be to maintain the health of the tooth and gums surrounding the crown to maximise its longevity.

What Factors Influence a Crown’s Lifespan?

  • Oral Hygiene: Daily brushing and flossing are crucial to prevent decay at the point where the crown meets the tooth.
  • Dietary Habits: Chewing ice, hard sweets, or biting on hard objects can damage the crown.
  • Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): The unconscious clenching and grinding of teeth can cause a crown to wear down or crack.
  • Regular Check-ups: Attending routine dental appointments allows your dentist to monitor the health of the crown and the underlying tooth, identifying any issues before they become serious.

With good care, your crown can be an excellent investment in your smile’s health and beauty for many years to come.

Does Getting a Crown Hurt?

No, having a dental crown procedure should not be painful. Dr Arman Barfeie, as a top prosthodontist, will use a strong local anaesthetic to completely numb the area. This means that during the entire process, you might feel some pressure or vibration, but you should not feel any pain. The dentist’s goal is to ensure you are completely comfortable throughout the treatment. If you feel any discomfort at any point, you can simply signal to him, and he can administer more anaesthetic to ensure you are fully numb.

Once the anaesthetic wears off (which typically takes a few hours), you can expect:

  • Minor Sensitivity: The tooth and surrounding gum may be sensitive, particularly to hot and cold, for a few days. This is entirely normal and should subside quickly.
  • Mild Discomfort: You might experience some slight soreness, which is easily managed with over-the-counter pain relief, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.

These feelings are temporary and should disappear within a few days. If you experience any severe or prolonged discomfort, you should contact us. It is important to remember that any mild post-procedure sensations are a normal part of the healing process.

Can You Whiten Dental Crowns?

No, unfortunately, dental crowns (as well as veneers or tooth-coloured fillings) cannot be whitened using standard tooth bleaching or whitening methods. Unlike natural tooth enamel, which is porous and reacts to bleaching agents, the materials used to make crowns (such as porcelain or zirconia) are non-porous, and their colour is permanently set during the fabrication process. This means that if your crowns are still strong and healthy after many years but appear lighter compared to your surrounding natural teeth, which have darkened over time, the only solution is to replace them with new crowns that match your teeth’s new shade.

If you are considering a crown and are also thinking about whitening your teeth, you should always complete the whitening (bleaching) first. After achieving your desired shade and allowing it to stabilise (which usually takes about two weeks), your dentist can then match the colour of your new crown precisely to this whiter shade of your natural teeth. This ensures your new crown will blend seamlessly with your brighter smile and prevent any colour mismatch in the future. This is the best way to achieve uniformity and a natural look in the long term. For those pursuing the best crowns in the UK, a detailed plan developed with Dr Arman Barfeie, a perfect dentist in London, is essential for a successful outcome.

It’s Not Just About Teeth — It’s About Smiles, Confidence, and the Life You Deserve.

Book your consultation and discover how Dr Arman Barfeie can change your life in Forest Hill, London!

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Crown Tooth Maintenance – How to Make It Last

Caring for your crown is very straightforward. By following a few simple tips, you can ensure this investment lasts for many years. Your primary goal should be to protect the crown itself and to maintain the health of the tooth and gums surrounding it. Although crowns are strong, they, like your natural teeth, can be vulnerable to issues such as decay at the gumline or damage from extreme pressure. Fortunately, this care is not very different from the usual hygiene required for a healthy mouth.

Golden Rules for Daily Care:

  • Consistent Hygiene: Brush your crown just like your natural teeth. Daily flossing or using interdental brushes is especially important, as it prevents plaque buildup and decay where the crown meets the tooth.
  • Mindful Eating and Drinking: Avoid chewing on very hard objects (such as ice, hard sweets, or bones), as this can damage porcelain crowns or loosen them.
  • Night-Time Protection: If you have a habit of clenching or grinding your teeth (bruxism), using a simple night guard can protect both the crown and your natural teeth from wear and damage.
  • Regular Check-ups: Routine dental visits every six months are crucial not only for your overall oral health but also allow your dentist to examine your crown for signs of leakage, wear, or looseness, identifying any problems before they become serious.

With this simple care, you can enjoy the function and beauty of your crown for a decade or more. For patients who have invested in dental crowns, maintaining a relationship with a trusted dentist in London is key to ensuring their longevity. So book your appointment.

Why Choose Dr Arman Barfeie for Your Dental Crowns in London?

When it comes to restoring your teeth, expertise, precision, and quality are what determine the outcome. With years of specialised experience in Fixed Prosthodontics, Dr  Arman Barfeie possesses the artistic and technical skill required to create crowns that are not only incredibly durable but are also aesthetically flawless and completely natural in appearance. At our clinic, we utilise the most advanced digital technology, including intraoral scanners and CAD/CAM design, to ensure your precision and comfort at every stage of the process. This commitment to excellence means you can be confident your dental crown is crafted and fitted to perform perfectly and keep your smile beautiful for years to come.

We promise you:

  • Personal Consultation: We take the time to listen to your concerns and explain the best treatment plan for your goals and budget.
  • Premium Materials: We only use the highest quality ceramic and zirconia materials to guarantee both durability and beauty.
  • A Comfortable Process: We use effective anaesthesia and provide a calming environment to make your experience as stress-free as possible.
  • Predictable Results: Dr Arman’s expertise and our advanced technology ensure you will receive an outstanding result.

For a specialised consultation and a transparent cost estimate, take the first step and get in touch with us today.

Dental Crown Cost in London: Prices, Options & What to Expect (No Hidden Fees)

The cost of a dental crown in London can vary depending on several factors. The type of material used, the complexity of your case, and the expertise and experience of the dentist all play a role in determining the final price. Generally, all-ceramic or zirconia crowns, which offer the most natural appearance, are typically priced higher than porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns. The location of the practice and any advanced technology used can also influence the cost.

What Factors Influence the crowns cost?

  • Crown Material: Different materials used in the fabrication of a crown come with varying costs.
  • Dentist’s Expertise: Dentists who specialise in prosthodontics and utilise advanced technology may have different fee structures.
  • Case Complexity: The need for additional preparatory work, such as a root canal treatment, can impact the overall cost.

Always request a written estimate during your initial consultation that transparently outlines all potential costs. For a precise quote tailored to your specific needs, it is best to seek a consultation at our practice.

Your stronger, more confident smile starts here – Book your dental crown consultation now

Book a Consultation for Dental Crowns in London

Dr Arman Barfeie’s dental clinic in London, with its focus on comprehensive tooth restoration and flawless aesthetics, is ready to provide dental crown services to the highest standards. We understand that a successful crown requires not only perfect strength and function but must also be completely natural in appearance and harmonious with your smile. Using premium materials and the most advanced technology, our crowns not only protect damaged teeth but also restore your confidence.

Why Choose Us for Your Dental Crown?

  • Expertise and Precision: Dr Arman Barfeie, with years of experience in prosthodontics, guarantees flawless and long-lasting results.
  • Natural Aesthetics: Our crowns are designed to perfectly match your natural teeth in colour, shape, and size.
  • Advanced Technology: We use digital scanners and CAD/CAM design for greater precision and patient comfort.
  • A Comfortable Process: We provide a calm environment and effective anaesthesia for a stress-free experience.

Book Your Consultation Today!

FAQ

A dental crown is a custom-made "cap" that fits perfectly over your entire tooth, restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance. While a filling repairs a small area of decay, a crown is needed when a tooth is too damaged, weakened, or broken to be fixed with a filling alone. It protects the remaining tooth structure from further damage or fracture, essentially saving the tooth.

This is a very common concern. The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, so you should not feel any pain during the appointment itself. It is similar to the process of getting a standard filling. It is common to experience some sensitivity or mild discomfort in the days after the procedure as the anaesthetic wears off and the tooth settles, but this is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relief and subsides quickly.

With excellent oral hygiene and care, a high-quality crown can typically last between 10 to 15 years, or even longer. Care for it just like your natural teeth: brush twice a day, floss daily (paying extra attention around the crown margin), and attend regular check-ups and hygienist appointments. Avoiding bad habits like chewing ice, hard sweets, or fingernails will also help protect your crown from damage.

Crowns are made from various materials, each with advantages:

  • Porcelain/Ceramic: Best for a natural look; ideal for front teeth.
  • Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM): A strong metal base with a porcelain exterior; a strong, aesthetic option.

Gold Alloy: Extremely strong and durable; best for back teeth where strength is paramount over aesthetics.
Your dentist will recommend the best type for you based on the tooth's location, your bite, and your aesthetic preferences.

It typically requires two comfortable appointments:

  1. Preparation: The tooth is gently reshaped, a digital scan or impression is taken, and a temporary crown is fitted.
  2. Fitting: About two weeks later, your bespoke, permanent crown, crafted by a dental technician, is checked for fit and bite before being permanently cemented into place.

Don't panic. This is a rare occurrence, but if it happens, contact us immediately for advice. Keep the crown safe and bring it to your appointment. Avoid chewing on that side. It can often be re-cemented if the underlying tooth is still healthy. Never try to glue it back in yourself, as this can cause irreparable damage.

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Submit your details using our form and book your appointment online. Our team members will also contact you to confirm your booking, ensuring a smooth and personalised dental care experience.

Trust Dr Arman Barfeie to transform your smile with expert dental implants, stunning cosmetic treatments, and thorough, personalized care. Enjoy a warm, patient-focused experience that guarantees your comfort and delight at his premier Forest Hill dental practice.

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