Crown and Bridge
What are Crowns and Bridges?
Crowns and most bridges are fixed prosthetic devices. Unlike removable devices 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.
Crowns are used to entirely cover or "cap" a damaged tooth. Besides strengthening a damaged tooth, a crown can be used to improve its appearance, shape or alignment. A crown can also be placed on top of an implant to provide a tooth-like shape and structure for function. Porcelain or ceramic / zirconia crowns can be matched to the color of your natural teeth. Other materials include gold and metal alloys. These alloys are generally stronger than porcelain and may be recommended for back teeth. Porcelain bonded to a metal shell is often used because it is both strong and attractive.
A crown may be recommend 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
How do Bridges Work?
Gaps left by missing teeth eventually cause the remaining teeth to rotate or shift into the empty spaces, resulting in a bad bite, which can lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
Bridges are commonly used to replace one or more missing teeth. Bridges are cemented to the natural teeth or implants either side of the gap. These teeth, called abutments, serve as anchors for the bridge. A replacement tooth, called a pontic, is attached to the crowns that cover the abutments. As with crowns, different materials are available for bridges. Materials used depend on the location of the missing tooth (or teeth), its function, aesthetic considerations and cost. Porcelain or ceramic bridges can be matched to the color of your natural teeth.
How are Crowns and Bridges Made?
Before either a crown or a bridge can be made, the tooth (or teeth) must be reduced in size so that the crown or bridge will fit over it properly. After reducing the tooth/teeth, an impression is taken to provide an exact mold for the crown or bridge. If porcelain or zirconia is to be used, we will try to match the shade as good as possible to the colour of your existing teeth.
The impression are then sent to a dental lab who will make the crown or bridge. A temporary crown or bridge will be placed to cover the prepared tooth while the permanent crown or bridge is being made. You will then need to return to the dentist after 1 or 2 weeks to have the permanent crown or bridge cemented.
How Long do Crowns and Bridges Last?
While crowns and bridges can last a lifetime, they do sometimes come loose or fall out. Good oral hygiene is essential to ensure longevity of crowns and bridges. This includes brushing with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day and daily flossing / interdental cleaning, including around the crown or bridge. A bridge can lose its support if the teeth or bone holding it in place are damaged by dental disease. You should also attend regular dental appointments for checkups and professional cleaning.