Crowns and Bridges
What are crowns and bridges?
One or more missing teeth can adversely affect the appearance and functionality of your smile. Crowns and bridges are ways to fill missing teeth and maintain a tooth after damage.
A crown, also known as a cap, is a fitted sleeve that sits on top of a damaged tooth to prevent further damage. Crowns can also be used to cover discoloured and stained teeth.
A bridge is made up of two or more crowns and can be a replacement for multiple missing teeth. A bridge is able to sit on either sides of the gap where the tooth is missing, serving as an anchor for the false tooth which is put into the gap.
Whether you need a crown or bridge, Dr Chodree will be able to advise on the best option to maintain proper dental health.
How are they fitted?
After evaluating your tooth, Dr Chodree will be able to advise which option will be best suited to fix the issue. If you have strong and healthy teeth and good bone support, a bridge may be the best option. If the root of the tooth is healthy, the tooth may be repaired with a crown instead.
Before either a crown or a dental bridge can be made, the tooth (or teeth) must be reduced in size so that the crown or bridge will fit over it properly. An impression of your teeth will then be taken and sent to the dental laboratory to have the bridge or crown made to fit snug. Temporary crowns and bridges have often given to prevent further damage to a tooth and prepare the area for the crown or bridge.
After one week, once the dental laboratory has made the bridge or crown, you will have a follow-up appointment to fit it and cement it in place.
We take an accurate impression of your tooth to create a perfectly fitting crown that seamlessly sits alongside your existing teeth. A crown will usually take around 10 days to create in a dental laboratory, so before it can be fitted, you will be provided with a temporary crown.
What are crowns made from?
There are three materials that crowns can be made from, including:
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal
- All-ceramic (all-porcelain)
- Gold
- Zirconium
The material that your crown is made from will depend on the aesthetics you would like, the strength needed and the durability of the material. If porcelain is to be used, your dentist will determine the correct shade for the crown or bridge to match the colour of your existing teeth.
How long can they last?
Both bridges and crowns can last from 5 to 15 years if properly looked after. The most important step you can take to ensure the longevity of your crown or bridge is to practice good oral hygiene and dental care. A bridge can lose its support if the teeth or bone holding it in place are damaged by dental disease. Keep your gums and teeth healthy by Brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and flossing daily. Also see your dentist and hygienist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings. Teeth grinding, clenching and biting of hard substances may damage and cause your crown or bridge to crack.
