Dental Crowns
Every crown is covered by our 5-Year Warranty*
Restore a worn, cracked, or heavily filled tooth, and get it looking like itself again.
A dental crown covers and protects a weakened tooth, bringing it back to full strength so you can bite and chew with confidence. Our dentists craft custom crowns designed to fit, function and blend in naturally with the rest of your smile.
*Conditions apply. View warranty terms.
What is a dental crown?
Think of a crown as a custom-made cover that fits over your existing tooth, a bit like a protective cap.
It’s shaped, sized and colour-matched to your other teeth, so your crown tooth strengthens what’s underneath while looking natural.
Teeth take a lot over a lifetime. A crack, a knock, a large filling that’s slowly worn down, or a tooth that’s been through root canal treatment can all leave a tooth more fragile than it looks. Rather than removing the tooth, a crown lets us keep your own tooth and give it the support it needs to carry on.
Most modern crowns are made from tooth-coloured porcelain or ceramic, carefully shade-matched to the teeth around them. Once it’s in place, a well-made crown blends in so naturally that most people won’t be able to tell which tooth it is.
When might you need a crown?
Crowns are one of the most common ways we restore a tooth that’s been damaged or weakened.
If you’re not sure whether a crown is right for you, that’s exactly what your dentist will guide you on. A crown is one of several ways we can help, and we’ll only ever suggest options we would recommend for our family.
Your dentist might suggest one if you have
- A tooth with over 50% filling material
- A tooth that’s chipped, cracked or broken
- A large or ageing filling that’s beginning to fail
- A tooth worn down by grinding or years of use
- A tooth supporting a bridge, or finishing a dental implant
- A misshapen or discoloured tooth you’d like to blend in
- A tooth that’s had root canal treatment and needs protecting
Types of dental crowns
The right material for you depends on which tooth it is, how you bite and how you’d like it to look. Your dentist talks you through the options for your tooth.
Porcelain or ceramic
Tooth-coloured and shade-matched to your teeth. Often used for front teeth, where appearance matters most.
Zirconia
A strong, tooth-coloured material. Often used for back teeth and people who grind or clench.
Porcelain fused to metal
A metal base with a tooth-coloured porcelain outer layer. Used where extra support is needed.
Gold
Very durable and gentle on the opposing teeth. Often used for back teeth, where it’s less visible.
Same-day crowns at our Adelaide practice
Designed and made in the practice, so your crown can be fitted in a single visit.
The process: two visits
Most crowns take two visits, about a week or two apart.
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Visit one
Your preparation visit
Your dentist gently prepares and shapes the tooth, then takes a mould and a few notes on colour so your crown can be matched to your other teeth. This is sent to a dental lab where your custom crown is made, usually within a week or two. You’ll go home with a temporary crown to keep everything comfortable in the meantime.
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While you wait
A week or two
The temporary crown isn’t as tough as the final one, so it’s a good idea to go easy on hard or sticky foods for a little while. If it happens to come loose, there’s no need to worry. Just give us a call and we’ll look after it.
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Visit two
Your second visit
Your dentist checks that your new crown fits well and matches the colour of your other teeth, then bonds it into place. A few small adjustments make sure it feels comfortable and natural when you bite, and your tooth is restored.
Same-day crowns are available at our Adelaide practice. See crowns in Adelaide →
Crown vs filling vs onlay
How much of the tooth is damaged usually decides which one suits. Here’s a quick guide to when each is used.
| Filling | Inlay or onlay | Crown | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it covers | Fills a cavity inside the tooth | Covers part of the biting surface, including one or more cusps | Covers the whole visible tooth |
| Often used for | Small to medium decay or damage | Larger damage where enough healthy tooth remains | Heavily filled, cracked or root-filled teeth |
| How much tooth is kept | The most | More than a crown | The least, as the tooth is shaped to fit the crown |
| Visits | Usually one | Usually two | Usually two (same day at Adelaide) |
Find out more about fillings and inlays and onlays.
Why Avenue Dental for your dental crown?
Our dentists across the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide take the time to understand your tooth, your bite and what you’re hoping for, then craft a crown that’s made to fit and blend in naturally. There’s never any rush or pressure, just honest advice and a plan that suits you.
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5-Year Warranty*
Every crown we fit is covered by our 5-year warranty.
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Award-Winning Group
Cared for by an experienced, award-winning team.
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Same-day emergency appointments when you call before 10am
Cracked or broken a tooth? Call us before 10am for a same-day emergency appointment.
How much does a dental crown cost?
The cost of a dental crown depends on your tooth and the type of crown you need. Your dentist gives you a personalised quote at your appointment, before you decide anything.
What affects the price
- The crown materialPorcelain, zirconia, porcelain fused to metal and gold are priced differently.
- Root canal or build-up firstSome teeth need treatment or rebuilding before the crown is fitted.
- How many teethThe number of teeth being crowned affects the total cost.
- Your health fund coverWhat you pay depends on whether your extras cover includes major dental.
You’ll get a personalised, written quote at your appointment, before any treatment starts.
Free price guide
Get our Dental Crown Price Guide
Find out what affects the cost of a crown and how payment plans work.
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5-Year Warranty* on every crown we fit.
Health funds
Crowns are usually classed as major dental. If your extras cover includes major dental, your fund may pay part of the cost.
Payment plans
Spread the cost with Humm, Afterpay, Zip or TLC. Approval and terms are assessed by each provider.
5-Year Warranty*
Every crown is covered by our 5-year warranty for extra peace of mind.
Your quote depends on your treatment plan, which your dentist confirms at your appointment. *Conditions apply. View warranty terms.
How long do crowns last?
With good care, crowns can last many years, and ours come with a 5-year warranty* for extra peace of mind. How long yours lasts depends on your bite, habits like grinding, and how you look after your teeth and gums.
Looking after your crown
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Brush twice a day
Brush around the crown and along the gumline, just like your other teeth.
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Clean between your teeth
Floss or use interdental brushes daily, especially where the crown meets the gum.
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Keep your check-ups
Regular check-ups and cleans let your dentist keep an eye on your crown.
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Protect it if you grind
If you grind or clench, a night guard may help protect your crown.
Flexible payment plans
At Avenue Dental on the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Adelaide and Melbourne, we understand that dental treatment can be difficult to fit into your budget, which is why we offer a range of different dental payment plan options.
Dental crown FAQs
This is general information only. Your dentist can answer your questions at your appointment.
Does getting a crown hurt?
Your dentist numbs the tooth with local anaesthetic before preparing it, so the area is numb during treatment. Some people notice mild tenderness or sensitivity for a few days afterwards.
How long does a crown last?
With good care, crowns can last many years. How long yours lasts depends on things like your bite, whether you grind your teeth, and how you look after your teeth and gums.
How long does it take to get a crown?
Most crowns take two visits, about a week or two apart. Same-day crowns are available at our Adelaide practice.
Is my crown covered by a warranty?
Yes. Every crown fitted at Avenue Dental is covered by our 5-year warranty. Conditions apply, so please read the warranty terms on our website.
Is a crown covered by health insurance?
Crowns are usually classed as major dental. If your extras cover includes major dental, your fund may pay part of the cost. Check with your fund, and your dentist can give you item numbers.
Can a crown fall off, and what do I do if it does?
It’s not common, but a crown can come loose. Keep it somewhere safe, avoid chewing on that side and call us. We offer same-day emergency appointments when you call before 10am.
Do I need a root canal before a crown?
Not always. If the nerve inside the tooth is damaged or infected, root canal treatment may be needed first. Teeth that have had root canal treatment often need a crown to protect them.
How much does a tooth crown cost?
The cost of a tooth crown depends on the crown material, whether you need a root canal or build-up first, and how many teeth are involved. Your dentist gives you a personalised quote at your appointment, and you can request our Dental Crown Price Guide.
Can a crowned tooth still get decay?
Yes. The crown itself can’t decay, but the tooth underneath can, especially where the crown meets the gum. Brushing, cleaning between your teeth and regular check-ups help protect it.
Is a cap the same as a crown?
Yes. “Cap” is an everyday name for a dental crown. Both describe a custom-made cover that fits over your tooth.
