A crown is recommended when a tooth needs full‑coverage protection that a filling, or bonding cannot safely provide. Common indications include:

• Large or failing fillings where too little natural tooth remains,

• Cracked tooth syndrome or fractures risking further breakage,

• Root‑canal‑treated teeth, which can become brittle over time,

• Severely worn or eroded teeth that need height and strength restored,

• Tooth out of shape/colour where a veneer wouldn’t give enough support.

Crowns wrap the tooth 360°, restoring strength for chewing and reducing the risk of catastrophic fractures.

Most crowns are completed over two visits:

1. Preparation & provisional: We shape the tooth conservatively, take precise records/scans, and place a temporary crown to protect the tooth and maintain your smile while the final crown is crafted.

2. Fit & bond: At the second visit, we check the fit, bite, and shade, then bond or cement the crown in place.

Typical timeline: 2–3 weeks between appointments (can vary by lab schedule and case complexity). Same‑day crowns may be possible in selected cases if supported by in‑house technology.

Yes — we custom‑design the shape, shade, translucency, and surface texture to blend with your smile. For a single front tooth, we spend extra time on shade mapping and micro‑characterisation to achieve the most natural look. We can also use mock‑ups/try‑ins to preview the appearance before final bonding.

Mild, short‑term sensitivity is possible after preparation and while wearing the temporary crown. This typically settles once the final crown is bonded and the tooth is sealed. We’ll guide you on managing sensitivity and adjusting your bite if needed to ensure comfort.

With good oral hygiene and regular check‑ups, crowns commonly last 10–15 years, and many last longer. Longevity depends on:

• Gum and bone health,

• Plaque control and daily home care,

• Balanced bite and protection from grinding (night guard if needed),

• Avoiding hard objects (ice, pens) that can stress the ceramic.

Routine maintenance helps keep the crown margins and surrounding gums healthy for the long term.

Yes. If a crown chips or the bite changes over time, it can often be polished, repaired, or re‑made. Should the underlying tooth develop decay at the margin, we’ll treat the area and replace the crown as needed. Early professional review usually keeps solutions straightforward.

Veneers typically require minimal tooth preparation — a very thin layer of enamel is shaped to create space for the porcelain and to ensure a precise, durable bond. In many cases, preparation is 0.3–0.7 mm and stays within enamel. For small corrections or “add‑on” cases, no‑prep or ultra‑minimal prep veneers may be possible.
Your dentist will assess enamel thickness, tooth position, and bite to plan the most conservative approach that still achieves natural aesthetics and long‑term stability.

It depends on your goals and starting point. Veneers are a predictable, conservative way to improve colour, shape, symmetry, small rotations, and spaces with less tooth reduction than full crowns. They’re often chosen when:

• Whitening or bonding can’t achieve the desired, stable result,

• Teeth are chipped, worn, or mildly misaligned,

• You want a lasting, stain‑resistant aesthetic change.

We prioritise preserving natural tooth structure. If a non‑invasive option (e.g., whitening, bonding, aligners) can meet your goals, we’ll discuss it first so you can make an informed choice.

With good oral hygiene and regular maintenance, porcelain veneers typically last 10–15 years, and often longer. Longevity depends on:

• Gum health and home care,

• Avoiding habits like nail‑biting or opening packages with teeth,

• Using a protective night guard if you clench/grind,

• Professional reviews and cleans to keep margins healthy.
  If a veneer ever chips or needs updating, it can usually be repaired or replaced while preserving as much original tooth as possible.

Veneers are considered a long‑term commitment because a small amount of enamel is typically removed to make space. This means you’ll likely need a veneer (or another restoration) on that tooth indefinitely.
That said, modern minimal‑prep techniques help retain maximum enamel, making future maintenance simpler. Your dentist will explain exactly how much preparation is needed in your case before you decide.

Yes — we custom‑design shape, shade, translucency, and surface texture to blend with your smile and facial features. We can:

• Use mock‑ups/wax‑ups so you preview the look,

• Match a single tooth or harmonise a full smile,

• Work with high‑quality ceramics for life‑like results.
  Your preferences on brightness and style are always built into the plan.