When a tooth is seriously weakened—whether from decay, cracks, large fillings, or root canal treatment—a filling alone won’t cut it. That’s where a dental crown steps in. Think of it like a helmet for your tooth: it wraps around the entire structure, distributing biting forces evenly and protecting what’s underneath from further damage.
At Switch Dental in Lower Hutt, we offer strong, natural-looking crowns to protect vulnerable teeth and restore confidence to your smile. We use digital technology to scan, design, and craft crowns that look great and feel even better.
Crowns aren’t just cosmetic—they’re essential in many situations:
- After a root canal – the tooth becomes more brittle and prone to breaking
- When there’s very little tooth left – a large filling or broken-down tooth needs more than a patch job
- Cracks or fractures – crowns prevent them from worsening
- Heavy wear from grinding or erosion – a crown can rebuild what’s been lost
- Cosmetic issues that fillings or veneers can’t fix
Crowns are also used to anchor dental bridges or cap off a dental implant—essentially replacing a missing tooth.
If your tooth is like a house with cracked walls, a crown is the reinforcement it needs to keep standing.
We use CEREC scanning and in-house milling, which means:
- No messy moulds
- Same-day crown fabrication in many cases
- Digital precision for a snug, comfortable fit
While the crown is made in-house, we usually book a second appointment for fitting and cementing a few hours later—or sometimes the following day—depending on the case. Either way, there’s no need for a temporary crown or lengthy wait.
Most of our crowns are tooth-coloured ceramics or zirconia, chosen for strength, aesthetics, and longevity. These materials look incredibly natural and hold up well over time.
We do still offer gold crowns on request—particularly for back molars where strength matters most—but they’re less common these days as tooth-coloured options are more popular and versatile.
That depends on your bite, habits, and maintenance. A well-placed crown on a well-cared-for tooth can last 10 years or longer. It’s like a good car—look after it, and it’ll serve you well. But if you’re grinding, chewing hard foods, or skipping maintenance, it may wear down faster.
Is the procedure painful?
Not at all. You’ll be fully numbed during the preparation, and the final fit usually requires no anaesthetic. You might have mild tenderness afterward, but nothing most people can’t manage.
Do crowns always follow root canals?
Often—but not always. It depends on the tooth and its function. Back teeth usually benefit from the added strength of a crown after a root canal.
Can I get a gold crown?
Yes! We still offer gold crowns, especially for molars. They’re extremely durable—but most people now prefer ceramic for aesthetics.
Why Choose Switch Dental?
We don’t just crown teeth—we protect them long term.
Digitally made crowns with CEREC
Natural-looking materials, custom-matched to your smile
Functional design to protect what’s left of the tooth
Modern workflow, with fewer appointments and no messy moulds
Advice that makes sense, with zero pressure
