Strong, natural-looking crowns to restore damaged teeth

Sometimes also called ‘caps’ a crown is a protective covering placed over a tooth and held in place by dental adhesive or cement. They’re often used to provide a permanent restoration for teeth which have been fractured, or suffered from large areas of decay. They can also be used to correct minor problems in natural teeth, such as poor spacing, irregular shape or even discolouration.

Helping you choose the options that are best for you

Here at St Peter’s Lodge we’re always keen to make sure patients get the treatment that best suits their needs. We offer crowns in a variety of materials, including plastic, ceramics – sometimes called porcelain – and metal alloys. A combination of metal and ceramic is also possible to maximise strength and simulate the appearance of natural teeth.

What to expect when you have a crown fitted at St Peter’s Lodge

The crowns we fit are individually crafted to fit the specific requirements of each patient who needs this form of dental work. At your first appointment with us, your dentist will carry out a thorough clinical examination, with radiographs (x-rays) to help us assess your suitability for the crown.

We’ll also carry out any preparatory work which may be necessary at this stage. Finally, you’ll have the chance to talk through your material choices, make sure you understand how the treatment will be carried out, and discuss any other concerns you may have.

At your second appointment, the teeth to be crowned are prepared. Your dentist will trim down the tooth size to create space for the crown (you’ll be given a local anaesthetic for this), then they’ll take an impression or mould of the prepared tooth. The mould is then sent to a laboratory where skilled technicians will fabricate the crown. In the meantime, you’ll be fitted with a temporary crown. However, we also offer cerec crowns where there is no need for impressions or temporaries and the crown can be made on site and fitted in that appointment if you choose this option. Please see the cerec page for more information.

You’ll be fitted with your permanent crown on your third appointment. The temporary crown is removed and the tooth surfaces are cleaned ready for your final fitting. Before it’s cemented in place, the completed crown is tried on the tooth. Your dentist will be checking to make sure the fit is correct, your bite is comfortable, and, of course, that the appearance is absolutely perfect. Finally, the crown is fixed onto the prepared tooth with dental cement.

How do I care for my crown?

Your crown will be made from durable, inert materials that won’t deteriorate over time. You will, of course, still have an underlying tooth. Like any other tooth, this could be prone to decay and gum disease. Daily brushing and flossing are essential for maintaining good oral health as well as keeping the crown trouble-free. The most vulnerable portion of the crown is the margin or the junction between tooth and crown.

It’s possible that the material on the on the surface could chip or fracture. You can reduce the chances of this happening by avoiding chewing excessively hard substances like ice or bones.

Regular check-ups will enable your dentist to detect any problems with your crown and recommend any treatment which you might need.

To find out more and book an appointment please call us on 01727 853160 or complete our online booking form.

Why Choose St Peter’s Lodge for Dental Crowns in St Albans?

A dental crown is one of the most versatile and important restorations in modern dentistry — and choosing the right practice to fit yours makes a real difference to both the result and your long-term comfort. At St Peter’s Lodge, our experienced team has been providing high-quality dental crowns in St Albans for many years, combining clinical skill with a genuine commitment to natural-looking, long-lasting work.

A Wide Choice of Crown Materials We offer dental crowns in a full range of materials — including porcelain, ceramic, metal alloy, and combined metal-ceramic options. Your dentist will walk you through each choice, taking into account the location of the tooth, your bite, your aesthetic preferences, and your budget, to ensure you receive the most suitable crown for your individual needs.

Individually Crafted for a Perfect Fit Every dental crown we fit at our St Albans practice is custom-made by skilled dental technicians to match the precise shape, size, and colour of your surrounding teeth. Before cementing your permanent crown in place, your dentist will check the fit, your bite alignment, and the appearance in detail — ensuring the result is exactly right.

Same-Day CEREC Crowns Available For patients who prefer a faster, more convenient option, we also offer CEREC crowns — an advanced same-day crown technology that requires no impressions and no temporary crown. Your restoration is designed, milled, and fitted in a single appointment at our practice. Visit our CEREC page for full details.

Restoring Damaged Teeth Before They Get Worse A cracked, fractured, or heavily decayed tooth that goes untreated will almost always deteriorate further over time. A dental crown placed promptly protects what remains of the natural tooth structure, prevents further damage, and restores full function — often saving a tooth that might otherwise be lost entirely.

Pain-Free, Patient-Centred Care Throughout We understand that dental crown treatment involves multiple appointments and, for some patients, a degree of anxiety. Our team at St Peter’s Lodge takes great care to ensure every stage of your treatment is as comfortable, clear, and stress-free as possible — from your initial consultation right through to your final fitting.

Book Your Dental Crown Consultation in St Albans Today

Whether you have a cracked, damaged, or heavily restored tooth that needs protecting, or you are simply exploring your options for dental crowns in St Albans, our experienced team at St Peter’s Lodge is here to help. We offer a full range of crown materials, including same-day CEREC crowns, in a calm and welcoming environment across St Albans and Hertfordshire.

Call us on 01727 853160, email info@stpeterslodgedentalpractice.co.uk, or book online today.

Book an Appointment →

Frequently asked questions:

What is a dental crown and when is it used?
A dental crown, sometimes called a ‘cap,’ is a protective covering placed over a damaged tooth and held in place with dental cement. They are primarily used to provide a permanent restoration for teeth that are fractured, have large areas of decay, or need minor corrections for issues like poor spacing, irregular shape, or discoloration.

What materials are available for dental crowns?
We offer a variety of materials to best suit your needs, including plastic, ceramics (often called porcelain), and metal alloys. A combination of metal and ceramic is also an option, which maximizes strength while simulating the appearance of natural teeth.

Do you offer crowns that can be fitted in a single visit?
Yes, we offer CEREC crowns as an alternative to the multi-appointment traditional process. With CEREC, there is no need for impressions or temporary crowns, as the crown can be made on-site and fitted in a single appointment.

How do I properly care for my dental crown?
While the crown itself is made from durable, inert materials, you must care for the underlying tooth and surrounding gum tissue. Daily brushing and flossing are essential to prevent decay and gum disease, especially around the margin (the junction between the tooth and the crown). You should also avoid chewing excessively hard substances like ice or bones to prevent chipping or fracturing the crown’s surface.

What happens during the first appointment to assess my suitability for a crown?
At your first appointment, your dentist will conduct a thorough clinical examination and take radiographs (X-rays) to assess your tooth’s condition and suitability for a crown. You will also have the opportunity to talk through your material choices and ensure you fully understand the treatment plan and address any concerns.

Are dental crowns in St Albans suitable for front teeth as well as back teeth?
Yes, dental crowns in St Albans can be used effectively on both front and back teeth. For front teeth, we typically recommend tooth-coloured porcelain or ceramic crowns that blend seamlessly with your natural smile. For back teeth, where strength is the priority, a metal-ceramic or full metal crown may be recommended. Your dentist at St Peter’s Lodge will advise on the most suitable material based on the location and function of the tooth being treated.

What is the difference between a dental crown and a dental cap?
They are exactly the same thing. The term “dental cap” is simply an older, more informal way of describing a dental crown. Both refer to a custom-made covering that fits over and protects a damaged or weakened tooth, restoring its shape, strength, and appearance. At St Peter’s Lodge, we use the most modern materials and techniques to ensure every dental crown in St Albans meets the highest standards of fit and aesthetics.

How long do dental crowns last in Hertfordshire?
With proper care, dental crowns typically last between 10 and 15 years — and in many cases considerably longer. The lifespan of your dental crown in Hertfordshire depends on the material chosen, its location in the mouth, your bite, and how well you maintain your oral hygiene. Regular check-ups at St Peter’s Lodge allow us to monitor your crown and address any issues before they become problems.