DENTAL CROWNS AND BRIDGES

Studies have shown that teeth that are greater than 70% filling material are overloaded. The tooth ultimately fractures and requires extraction.

Crowns

When a tooth has been heavily broken down or weakened, a crown is often necessary.

A tooth may be broken down or weakened by extensive decay, root canal treatment, trauma or wear.

A crown (cap) fits over the existing natural tooth and replaces the natural crown, the part of the tooth seen above the gums.

A crown will not only strengthen this tooth, and enable you to keep this tooth for many years, but it will restore the tooth back to its natural appearance.

Bridges

Bridges are used to replace one or more missing teeth.

A dental bridge consists of an artificial tooth anchored to the natural teeth on each side of the gap.

Preparation for Crowns and Bridges

First Appointment

At the first appointment, the tooth is shaped to enable room for the crown to fit. An accurate impression is taken using a soft gel-like material and sent to a dental ceramist.

It usually takes two to three weeks for the dental ceramist to fabricate a crown or bridge. In this period you will have a temporary crown placed on the prepared tooth/teeth for aesthetics and protection.

Second Appointment

At the second chairside appointment, the crowns or bridges are tried in and the fit, shade and shape are checked. Once they are confirmed to be perfect, the crowns or bridges are bonded to the prepared teeth.

Materials used for Crowns and Bridges

• Porcelain – Anterior and posterior teeth, high aesthetic requirements.
• Gold Alloy – used for posterior teeth where aesthetics requirements are low and strength paramount.

Unlike a removable denture to replace a missing tooth, a bridge is cemented to the teeth and is not removable.