Crowns and bridges are dental prosthetic that are intended to cover or replace broken or decaying teeth. Unlike dentures, crowns and bridges are permanent, non-removable dental fixtures that are bonded or cemented onto existing teeth. This means they can only be removed by a dentist. It also mean that they look and feel more like real natural teeth and behave like them too.
When are crowns used?
Crowns are used in the following ways:
- Instead of a large filling, if there is not enough healthy tooth left
- To restore a fractured tooth or to protect a tooth from fracturing
- To cover a irregularly shaped tooth or a badly discoloured tooth
- To cover a tooth which had a root canal or an implant.
How does a crown work?
A crown covers a damaged tooth completely, that is why it’s also known as a “cap.” Not only does it improve the appearance of a tooth that is damaged or decayed, it strengthens it. Crowns are usually made of either porcelain or ceramic are designed to match the colour of your existing teeth. For the back teeth, sometimes a heavy-duty crown made of a metal allow is required as they are stronger than porcelain.
What is a bridge?
When you have a missing tooth or teeth, it may be necessary to fill the space with a bridge in order to prevent your other teeth from shifting. Not only would a shift in your teeth cause an improper bite, it can also cause gum disease and possible TMJ (temporomandibular joint) problems. A bridge is cemented to the surrounding teeth that hold in place a replacement tooth where the hole was. You will discuss with your dentist which material is best to use based on the location of the bridge and the function it replaces of the normal tooth.
How is a crown or bridge made?
You would normally consult with your dentist to have a impressions made, similar to veneers. Once the dentist has sent the result to the dental laboratory for fabrication, they will prepare your existing teeth to hold the crown or bridge by reducing the size.
How long does a crown or bridge last?
With proper care, crowns and bridges can last a lifetime but it’s possible that they come lose. The reason for this is most often due to improper dental and oral hygiene, therefore it is extremely important to be diligent with brushing and flossing to keep your teeth and gums healthy.