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Crowns and Bridges

My dentist tells me I need a crown,
but I'm not a queen nor a princess

 
 
Crown
 

Both crowns and fixed bridges are fixed, cemented (glued in) customised teeth.

 

So what are Dental Crowns and fixed Tooth Bridges?

Both crowns and fixed bridges are fixed, cemented (glued in) fake teeth.
Unlike removable fake teeth such as dentures, which you can take out and clean daily, crowns and bridges are cemented onto existing teeth or implants, and can only be removed by a dentist.

A crown is used to "cap" or fully or partially cover a damaged tooth. It can improve its appearance, shape or alignment. A crown also strengthens a badly damaged or heavily restored tooth. 

How do Crowns work?

If you have an implant, a crown can also be placed on top of the implant to provide a tooth-like shape.

Crowns can be made to match the colour of you natural tooth, or gold and other metal alloys can be used.
 

 gold crown   porcelain crown

Your dentist may recommend a crown to:

  • Replace a large filling when there isn't enough tooth remaining
  • Protect a weak tooth from fracturing
  • Restore a fractured tooth
  • Attach a bridge
  • Cover a dental implant
  • Cover a discolored or poorly shaped tooth
  • Cover a tooth that has had root canal treatment
 

Crowns and Bridges can be made to match the colour of you natural tooth, or gold and other metal alloys can be used.

 

How do Bridges work?

A bridge may be recommended if you're missing one or more teeth. Gaps left by missing teeth eventually cause the remaining teeth to move into the empty spaces, resulting in a bad bite. The imbalance caused by missing teeth can also lead to gum disease and clicks in your jaw. 

Bridges are "glued" to the natural teeth or implants surrounding the empty space. These teeth serve as anchors for the bridge.
A replacement tooth (the missing tooth) is attached to the crowns that cover the anchor teeth. 

As with crowns, you have a choice of materials for bridges: tooth coloured materials, gold or metal alloys.

 
Bridge 1 Bridge 2 Bridge 3

 
 
How are Crowns and Bridges Made?

The dentist will 'file Down' or reduce your tooth/ teeth in size, take a mould so the lab technician can make your crown or bridge. A temporary crown or bridge will be put in place to cover the prepared tooth while the permanent crown or bridge is being made. When the permanent crown or bridge is ready, the temporary crown or bridge is removed, and the new crown or bridge is cemented over your prepared tooth or teeth.

How long do Crowns and Bridges last?

While crowns and bridges can last a lifetime, they do sometimes come loose or fall out. The most important step you can take to ensure the longevity of your crown or bridge is to practice good oral hygiene. 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.

To prevent damage to your new crown or bridge, avoid chewing hard foods, ice or other hard objects.
 
 
 

The most important step you can take to ensure the longevity of your crown or bridge is to practice good oral hygiene.