Crowns & Bridges
There are a variety of crowns available:
- Porcelain or ceramic crowns are matched to the color of your natural teeth. Porcelain crowns are bonded to a metal shell and are more popular because they look better and last longer than ceramic material.
- Non-tooth colored crowns are made from gold, metal alloys, acrylic and ceramic. These alloys are reccommended for back teeth because they are generally stronger.
Dentists recommend crowns because they…
- replace a large filling when there isn’t enough tooth remaining.
- protect a weak tooth and prevent it from fracturing
- restore a fractured tooth
- anchor bridges when covering a missing tooth (or teeth)
- cover up dental implants, discoloured or poorly shaped teeth
- restore a tooth affected by a root canal
Frequently Asked Questions
A crown is used to cover or “cap” a damaged tooth. Dentists will reccommend a dental crown to strengthen a damaged tooth. Crowns also improve the appearance, shape or alignment of any tooth. Caps can also be placed on top of an implant to provide a tooth-like appearance.
A bridge, also called a “fixed bridge” is a permanent dental restoration procedure. This treatment replaces one or more missing teeth. This artificial bridge is held firmly in place by your natural teeth on either side of a gap created or by dental implants. Once in place, a bridge cannot be removed.
There are three parts to a dental bridge
- An artificial tooth root makes sure your bridge stays in place and doesn’t shift.
- A replacement tooth or pontic sits in place of the gap in your teeth and is attached to the crowns.
- Abutments on either side of the pontic anchor the replacement tooth in place.
Dentists recommend bridges for a number of reasons. If there is a gap, the teeth surrounding can naturally rotate or shift into it. This causes an imbalance that can lead to gum disease and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. If left untreated, simple tasks like eating or talking become uncomfortable, and even painful.
There are anumber of benefits to having a bridge:
● fixes the alignment of your bit and restore your smile
● restores your ability to properly chew and speak
● maintains the shape of your face
● replaces missing teeth and evenly distribute the force in your bite
● prevents remaining teeth from drifting out of position
If you need crowns or bridges, this takes at least two visits to the dentist.
The First Visit
Before crowns or bridges can be made, your dentist will reduce the size of the tooth (or teeth). This way, the crown or bridge fits over it securely.
Afterwards, the dentist takes an impression of the reduced tooth (or teeth) and creates an exact mould of the area. For porcelain caps or bridges, your dentist also makes sure the colour of the crown or bridge matches the color of your existing teeth.
Both the mould and material information is sent to a dental lab who makes the crown or bridge. Meanwhile, Your dentist will install a temporary one to ensure your teeth don’t shift.
The Second Visit
You will be called in for a second appointment once your dentist recieves your crown or bridge. At this visit, your dentist removes the temporary crown or bridge from your first appointment and installs the permanent one from the lab.
This depends on how well you take care of the rest of your teeth. Bridges can last up to a decade, sometimes longer. If your bridge feels loose, dental disease is likely affecting the teeth or bone that holds it in place.
If your bridge falls out completely, give us a call right away to book an appointment!
Take care of your bridges the same way to take care of the rest of your teeth. Brush them with fluoride toothpaste twice a day, floss daily, and see your dentist and hygienist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings. Prevent damage to new crowns or bridges and avoid chewing on hard foods, candies, ice or other hard objects.
