Fitted to your existing teeth to complete a natural looking smile
Why would I need a crown or bridge?
There are a number of reasons as to why you may require a dental crown or bridge. You could require a dental crown or bridge due to ongoing dental issues, such as decay or gum disease. Alternatively, you may incur a dental emergency which requires a crown or bridge to fix the issue. Trauma may lead to your tooth breaking or cracking.
Other reasons include if your tooth has a weakened structure, as a necessary requirement for root canal therapy, injury or trauma, as a fix for decay, or as a way to restore teeth from excessive clenching or tooth grinding. Crowns can also be required for the dental bridge process.
Crowns
Crowns are porcelain or gold fixtures that aim to strengthen weakened or damaged teeth.
The crown fits over the existing damaged tooth, replacing the full exterior, or natural crown. Crowns may be fitted to patients who have suffered from a tooth trauma, an impact or fall that results in chips or breakages. Other damage including a high level of decay weaken teeth increasing the risk of further damage. In these cases, a crown may be used to strengthen the tooth again.
In some cases, natural wearing of teeth or even other treatments such as root canals can significantly weaken teeth and crowns can be used to treat them.
Bridges
Bridges are fixtures used to treat missing teeth. They consist of an artificial tooth that is anchored to the natural healthy teeth on each side of the gap. When teeth are too damaged to be treated with a crown or are actually missing a bridge could be a treatment option.
Teeth have many functions apart from chewing and biting, which is why it’s important that missing teeth are replaced. This will improve the appearance of the smile, prevent damage to other teeth, prevent nearby teeth from shifting and maintain the natural bite.
A natural looking smile
Dental crowns and bridges are fitted specifically for your mouth. That means they can be sized, shaped and coloured to fit in with the rest of your mouth. A natural looking crown can blend in with the rest of your teeth, giving a complete appearance. Not to mention, the strength of the prosthetic means it can function nearly as well as a normal tooth. If you take care of your dental crowns and bridges properly, they can last many, many years.
The preparation for a crown or bridges
Crowns and bridges are usually made of porcelain and gold alloy. The tooth is shaped and reduced in size, making it smaller by one to two millimetres. An impression is taken and sent to a dental technician who makes the crown or bridge. To protect the tooth while the fixture is being created, a temporary crown may be attached. Once the fixture is completed it will be fitted and secured into place using strong cement.
Crowns and Bridges for Patients in Paddington Brisbane at Crookes & Jenkins Dental
If you want more information about crowns or bridges or want to book in for a check up, contact us at Crookes and Jenkins today.
Frequently Asked Questions
A dental crown is a cap that is placed over a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. It’s custom-made to fit over the entire tooth, from the gum line to the chewing surface and can be made from different materials such as porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of materials. Dental crowns are commonly used to protect a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment, cover a dental implant, or strengthen a tooth that has a large filling or extensive decay.
A dental bridge is a fixed dental restoration that is used to replace one or more missing teeth by joining an artificial tooth to adjacent teeth or dental implants. The bridge is usually made up of two or more dental crowns, one on each side of the gap left by the missing tooth, with the artificial tooth (pontic) in between. The dental crowns are placed over the teeth or implants adjacent to the gap to anchor the bridge in place, providing a natural-looking and functional replacement for the missing tooth. Dental bridges are typically made of porcelain, ceramic, or a combination of materials and can help improve chewing ability, speech, and overall appearance.
The lifespan of a crown or bridge can vary depending on several factors, such as the material used, oral hygiene, and wear and tear from daily use. On average, a crown or bridge can last between 5 and 15 years, or even longer with proper care and maintenance. It’s essential to practice good oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing and visiting the dentist for check-ups and cleanings. Avoiding habits such as grinding or clenching teeth, biting hard objects, and consuming excessive amounts of sugary or acidic foods and drinks can also help extend the lifespan of a crown or bridge. Ultimately, the longevity of a crown or bridge depends on many factors, and consulting with a dentist can help determine the best course of action to maintain and care for these dental restorations.