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CROWNS
A crown, commonly referred to as a “cap” is where the natural tooth above the gum (referred to as the clinical crown) is prepared and covered by a restoration that is cemented into place. Crowns may be made from porcelain, porcelain with a metal substructure or gold depending on the clinical conditions and requirements and also patient preferences.
Crowns are indicated for a number of reasons, primarily:
- Following trauma resulting in a badly damaged/broken tooth or teeth
- Teeth with large fillings or that are severely decayed
- Cracks resulting in pain
- Following root canal therapy
- Discoloured or heavily stained teeth that cannot be whitened
- Worn dentition
- Straightening minor teeth irregularities where orthodontic treatment is not ideal
Crowns improve the aesthetics (eg the shape, size or colour) and functional nature (eg strength and stability ) of teeth. They feel like a natural tooth and can replicate the colour, translucency and texture of teeth. They are a safe and permanent solution to multiple problems.
BRIDGES
A bridge replaces a missing tooth or multiple teeth by placing crowns on the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth and joining those crowns together with an artificial tooth. This is a permanent tooth replacement that is cemented into place.
A bridge has many advantages, namely:
- Improve appearance
- Prevents adjacent and opposing teeth from tilting, shifting or over-erupting
- Evens stress loading on the remaining teeth and maintains the bite
- Improves chewing ability
At least 2 appointments are required for crowns and bridges. In between visits a temporary crown or bridge is placed which maintains aesthetics whilst the permanent restoration is made. For front teeth an additional appointment is also often required with our ceramist to finalise the shading and shape of the crown or bridge to achieve maximum aesthetics prior to cementation.
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