Crowns and Bridges
Q What are Dental Crowns and Tooth Bridges?
A Both 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.
Q How do Crowns Work?
A A crown is 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 crowns can be matched
to the colour of your natural teeth. Other materials include gold
and metal alloys, acrylic and ceramic. 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.
Your dentist may recommend a crown 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 discoloured or poorly shaped tooth
·
Cover a tooth that has had root canal treatment
Q How do Bridges Work?
A A bridge may be recommended if you're missing one or more teeth.
Gaps left by missing teeth eventually cause the remaining teeth to
rotate or shift into the empty spaces, resulting in a bad bite. The
imbalance caused by missing teeth can also lead to gum disease and
temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
Bridges are commonly used to replace one or more missing teeth. They
span the space where the teeth are missing. Bridges are cemented to
the natural teeth or implants surrounding the empty space. 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, you have a choice of materials
for bridges. Your dentist can help you decide which to use, based on
the location of the missing tooth (or teeth), its function,
aesthetic considerations and cost. Porcelain or ceramic bridges can
be matched to the colour of your natural teeth.
Q How are Crowns and Bridges Made?
A 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, your dentist will
take an impression to provide an exact mould for the crown or
bridge. If porcelain is to be used, your dentist will determine the
correct shade for the crown or bridge to match the colour of your
existing teeth.
Using this impression, a dental lab then makes your crown or bridge,
in the material your dentist specifies. A temporary crown or bridge
will be put in place to cover the prepared tooth while the permanent
crown or bridge is being made. When the permanent crown or bridge is
ready, the temporary crown or bridge is removed, and the new crown
or bridge is cemented over your prepared tooth or teeth.
Tooth coloured crown/metal crown
Q How Long do Crowns and Bridges last?
A While crowns and bridges can last a lifetime, they do sometimes
come loose or fall out. The most important step you can take to
ensure the longevity of your crown or bridge is to practice good
oral hygiene. A bridge can lose its support if the teeth or bone
holding it in place are damaged by dental disease. Keep your gums
and teeth healthy by brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice a day
and flossing, or using other interdental cleaning aids daily. Also
see your dentist and hygienist regularly for check-ups and
professional cleanings.
To prevent damage to your new crown or bridge, avoid chewing hard
foods, ice or other hard objects.
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