Dental Crowns & Bridges

What are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are a custom-made restoration which fits over the prepared existing natural tooth and replaces the natural crown. Dental crowns can be used for strength, durability and tooth stability. They are also used for cosmetic reasons to enhance the appearance of a tooth.

Dental crowns are often required when a tooth has been severely weakened and is no longer structurally sound. This can be as a result of trauma, tooth decay, previous root canal therapy or even general wear over time. This cosmetic dental treatment can also be used to brighten and improve the appearance of one’s smile by covering broken, chipped, stained or discoloured teeth or by modifying the shape of a tooth. Dental crowns are custom-made for each individual patient and can be matched to existing teeth making them a favourable cosmetic dental treatment option.

What’s involved in creating Dental Crowns?

Constructing a dental crown generally requires two appointments with your dentist. During the first appointment the existing tooth/teeth are prepared, impressions taken and a temporary crown is placed over the prepared tooth. At the next visit, the temporary crown is removed and replaced by the new custom-made dental crown. The new crown is adjusted and cemented into place, providing a more long term natural looking aesthetic solution. Dental crowns can be constructed from a range of materials. Your dentist will discuss which material will be most appropriate for your individual situation.

What are Dental Bridges?

Justifying their name with their purpose, dental bridges are used to bridge the gap between healthy teeth to replace the missing tooth/teeth space. If gaps between teeth are left untreated, then they can cause gradual drifting of the other healthy teeth into these empty spaces which could affect one’s ability to chew and speak. Other problems that can occur as a result of missing teeth are temporomandibular joint disorders and gum disease.

Dental bridges are fixed replacements for the absent teeth that help in maintaining proper oral functionality as well as improving teeth appearance. Dental bridge treatment can significantly aid in sustaining proper alignment of other teeth and supporting important mouth functions of chewing and speaking. And of course, a dental bridge for front teeth can help restore the smile.

Dental Bridge Treatment Process:

In dental bridge procedure, firstly the two teeth on both sides of the empty space are reduced in size so that the bridge can be properly fixed. Following this, the dentist will take a dental impression for providing an exact mold for the bridge. Then using the mold and material of your choice, a bridge is prepared and cemented to the healthy teeth which then act as bridge anchors.

Don’t leave gaps in teeth untreated. Seek help from a dental professional to discuss how your case can be solved with dental bridge treatment.