DENTAL CROWNS & BRIDGES
WE ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT RESTORING YOUR SMILE
Crowns and bridges are a permanent fix to missing or damaged teeth. They are used as a prosthetic device to return your smile to its natural state.
WHAT ARE DENTAL CROWNS?
Crowns restore the look and shape of the tooth and help to fix damaged or fractured teeth, almost like a cap. Crowns are made to match the colour and texture of your existing tooth and surrounding teeth. They are usually made from porcelain fused to metal or ceramic material; other materials include metal and gold, all of which ensure strength to protect the tooth underneath.
The crown encloses the part of the tooth that is visible below the gum line.
Firstly your existing tooth receiving the crown is reshaped, and then a mould of the new shape must be taken and sent of to a special dental laboratory.
In the meantime, the dentist will create a temporary crown to fill the space. At the next appointment, the dentist will remove the temporary crown and check if the permanent crown is comfortable and fits well. After this, the dentist will bond the crown to your reshaped tooth. This crown will function and feel like a natural tooth.
WHAT ARE DENTAL BRIDGES?
A bridge is utilised to fill in a gap from one or more missing teeth. A bridge is beneficial to restore your smile, restore your ability to chew and speak properly, spread the force of your bite properly by replacing missing teeth and also prevent other teeth by drifting out of position. There are three main types of bridges:
- Traditional,
- Cantilever and
- Maryland bridges.
Traditional bridges involve creating a crown for the teeth on either side of the missing tooth. These are the most common type of bridges, usually made from porcelain fused to metal or ceramic.
The Cantilever bridges are when there is only one adjacent tooth beside the missing tooth, meaning that there is only one crown beside the missing tooth.
Lastly, the Maryland bridges consist of a metal or porcelain framework that is bonded to the back of the two adjacent teeth to the missing tooth. This means that the bridge does not contain any crowns; meaning the adjacent teeth do not need to be prepared or filed down.
Both the Cantilever and Maryland bridges are not so common, as they are not durable in areas subject to a lot of biting force, like the molars.
The dentist will assess and give you the best options to restore your smile. Call us today to book an appointment!
FAQ
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” placed over a tooth – to cover the tooth that restores its shape and size, strength, and improve its appearance.
The crowns, when cemented into place, fully encase the entire visible portion of a tooth that lies at and above the gum line.
What is a dental bridge?
Dental bridges literally bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth.
A bridge is made up of two or more crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap – these two or more anchoring teeth are called abutment teeth – and a false tooth/teeth in between. These false teeth are called pontics and can be made from gold, alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. Dental bridges are supported by natural teeth or implants.
Why is a dental crown needed?
- To protect a weak tooth (for instance, from decay) from breaking or to hold together parts of a cracked tooth
- To restore an already broken tooth or a tooth that has been severely worn down
- To cover and support a tooth with a large filling when there isn’t a lot of tooth left
- To hold a dental bridge in place
- To cover misshapened or severely discolored teeth
- To cover a dental implant
- To make a cosmetic modification
For children, a crown may be used on primary (baby) teeth in order to:
- Save a tooth that has been so damaged by decay that it can’t support a filling.
- Protect the teeth of a child at high risk for tooth decay, especially when a child has difficulty keeping up with daily oral hygiene.
- Decrease the frequency of general anesthesia for children unable because of age, behavior, or medical history to fully cooperate with the requirements of proper dental care.
How long will my crown or bridge last?
On average, dental crowns can last over 10 years. The life span of a crown depends on the amount of “wear and tear” the crown is exposed to, how well you follow good oral hygiene practices, and your personal mouth-related habits.
You should avoid such habits as grinding or clenching your teeth, chewing ice, biting fingernails, and using your teeth to open packaging. This will help extend the life of your crowns.
How should I care for your crown?
A dental crowned tooth does not require any additional special care.
However, even though a tooth is crowned, it does not mean the tooth is protected from decay or gum disease. Therefore, continue to follow good oral hygiene practices, including brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing daily — especially around the crown area where the gum meets the tooth — and rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash at least once a day.
Can’t find the answer you need?
Please contact us directly on (07) 3841 6641 or email us at [email protected].