Crown & Bridges

Both crowns and bridges are fixed prostheses that can rectify the appearance and quality of damaged teeth and may be used to replace missing teeth. Unlike removable prostheses such as dentures, bridges are fixed onto existing teeth or implants providing added confidence and comfort.

Crowns

How do Crowns work?

A crown is used to entirely cover a damaged tooth, and is primarily there to strengthen it, as well as improving the appearance, shape or alignment. They are generally made of porcelain and metal, and can conceal and improve any damage to an individual tooth.

Crowns can also be placed on top of an implant to replace a natural tooth and improve functionality. The technique used has improved so much that crowns are not detectable in the mouth, and are colour-matched to the natural teeth for a natural looking result.

When would we suggest a crown?

To replace a large filling which has lost its natural contacts and contours to facilitate cleaning
To protect a weak tooth from fracturing
To restore a fractured tooth
To attach a bridge
To replace a missing tooth on an implant
To cover a discolored or poorly shaped tooth
To cover a tooth that has had root canal treatment

Bridges

How do Bridges work?

A bridge may be recommended if you’re missing one or more teeth. If gaps are left by missing teeth, this gives the remaining teeth space to start shifting or rotating into misalignment. The result? A bad bite, that can require extensive orthodontic treatment. Missing teeth can also cause an imbalance that results in gum disease or a painful temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.

Bridges work by being carefully placed to span the gap left by a missing tooth. They are bonded to the remaining natural teeth or implants, which act as anchor, and they can then fill the empty space. They quite literally bridge the gap! Your dentist will help you decide which material is best suited to your needs based on the location and function of the missing teeth, as well as desired aesthetic results and cost.

If you’ve been experiencing any of the above symptoms, make an appointment with us and don’t suffer in silence.