WHAT ARE CROWNS AND BRIDGES?
Crowns and bridges are dental restorations designed to restore the function and appearance of your teeth. Both are custom-made dental appliances that fit over your natural teeth or implants to improve strength, structure, and aesthetics.
Crowns are caps placed over a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength, protecting it from further damage.
Bridges are used to replace one or more missing teeth by "bridging" the gap with a false tooth anchored by crowns on the surrounding natural teeth or implants.
KEY BENEFITS
RESTORATION OF FUNCTION
Both crowns and bridges restore the ability to chew and speak properly, making eating easier and helping you communicate more clearly.
IMPROVED AESTHETICS
Crowns and bridges can dramatically improve the appearance of your teeth, giving you a natural, beautiful smile.
DURABILITY AND STRENGTH
Crowns and bridges are made from strong, long-lasting materials, providing lasting support to damaged or missing teeth.
PREVENTION OF FURTHER DAMAGE
Crowns protect a weakened tooth from further decay or fracture, while bridges prevent the surrounding teeth from shifting into the space left by a missing tooth.
NON-SURGICAL OPTION
Crowns and bridges offer a non-invasive solution to restore teeth, avoiding the need for more complex procedures like dental implants.
TYPES OF CROWNS
PORCELAIN CROWNS
Porcelain crowns are known for their natural appearance, as they closely mimic the color and translucency of natural teeth. They are often used for front teeth due to their aesthetic qualities.
PORCELAIN-FUSED-TO-METAL CROWNS
These crowns offer a combination of strength and appearance, as the metal core provides durability, while the porcelain outer layer gives a natural-looking finish.
METAL CROWNS
Made from materials like gold or alloys, metal crowns are extremely durable and are often used for molars or teeth in the back of the mouth where aesthetics are less of a concern.
ZIRCONIA CROWNS
Zirconia crowns are highly durable and resistant to wear. They are a strong, aesthetic option for both front and back teeth, offering a balance of strength and appearance.
TYPES OF BRIDGES
TRADITIONAL BRIDGES
The most common type of bridge, traditional bridges, consist of a false tooth (pontic) held in place by crowns attached to the natural teeth on either side of the gap. This is an effective solution when healthy teeth are available on both sides of the gap.
CANTILEVER BRIDGES
Cantilever bridges are used when there are natural teeth on only one side of the gap. The pontic is anchored to a single adjacent tooth, providing support in situations where only one neighboring tooth is available for support.
MARYLAND BRIDGES
Maryland bridges use a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the back of adjacent natural teeth, rather than relying on crowns. They are less invasive and provide a conservative approach for replacing missing teeth.
IMPLANT-SUPPORTED BRIDGES
Implant-supported bridges are anchored to dental implants rather than natural teeth. This option is ideal for people who have multiple missing teeth and cannot support a traditional bridge.
THE PROCESS - WHAT TO EXPECT
CONSULTATION AND EXAMINATION
During the initial consultation, your dentist will assess your oral health and determine whether a crown or bridge is the best solution. They will discuss your goals and expectations for the treatment and take x-rays or digital impressions of your teeth.
TOOTH PREPARATION
For crowns, the affected tooth will be shaved down to make room for the crown. For bridges, the surrounding teeth will be prepared by removing a small amount of enamel to create space for the crowns that will hold the bridge.
IMPRESSIONS AND TEMPORARY RESTORATION
After the tooth or teeth are prepared, we use digital impressions so that there is no need for old style dental materials to take bulky impressions of your teeth. Instead we can use our state of the art 3D scanner to accurately record your teeth. While your permanent restoration is being made, a temporary crown or bridge will be placed to protect your tooth.
FITTING THE PERMANENT CROWN OR BRIDGE
Once your custom crown or bridge is ready, your dentist will fit it, check the bite, and make any necessary adjustments to ensure comfort and function. Once the fit is perfect, the crown or bridge will be permanently cemented into place.
AFTERCARE & MAINTENCANCE
MAINTAIN GOOD ORAL HYGIENE
Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss daily, especially around the crown or bridge. Using an interdental brush or floss threader can help clean underneath bridges.
AVOID HARD OR STICKY FOODS
Be cautious with hard, sticky, or chewy foods that could damage or dislodge your crown or bridge. It’s best to avoid chewing ice or biting down on hard candy.
REGULAR DENTAL CHECKUPS
Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings to ensure the longevity and health of your crown or bridge. During these visits, your dentist will check for any signs of wear or potential issues.
BE MINDFUL OF GRINDING
If you grind your teeth (bruxism), talk to your dentist about options like a mouthguard to protect your restorations from damage.
FAQs
HOW LONG DO CROWNS AND BRIDGES LAST?
Crowns and bridges can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years, depending on the materials used, your oral hygiene habits, and your lifestyle. With proper care, they can last even longer.
DO CROWNS AND BRIDGES REQUIRE SPECIAL CARE?
While crowns and bridges don’t require special care beyond regular brushing and flossing, it’s important to keep the surrounding teeth and gums healthy to maintain the restoration.
ARE CROWNS AND BRIDGES PAINFUL?
The procedure for getting crowns and bridges is usually not painful. Local anaesthesia is used to numb the area during the preparation process. Afterward, you may experience mild sensitivity, which typically subsides after a few days.
CAN CROWNS OR BRIDGES FALL OUT?
While it’s uncommon for crowns and bridges to fall out, it can happen if the bond weakens or if there is excessive wear. If a crown or bridge becomes loose, contact your dentist immediately for an adjustment.
CAN I EAT NORMALLY WITH A CROWN OR BRIDGE?
Yes, once your crown or bridge is placed, you should be able to eat normally. However, it’s important to avoid chewing on hard or sticky foods that could potentially damage the restoration.
ALTERNATIVES TO CROWNS AND BRIDGES
While crowns and bridges are excellent options for restoring teeth, there are other alternatives to consider:
DENTAL IMPLANTS
Dental implants are a permanent solution for missing teeth, offering superior strength and stability by anchoring artificial teeth directly into the jawbone.
DENTURES
Dentures are removable appliances used to replace missing teeth, suitable for people who have lost most or all of their teeth.
VENEERS
Veneers are thin, tooth-colored shells placed over the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance, often used for cosmetic purposes rather than restoring damaged teeth.
Your dentist will help guide you through your options and help you choose the best solution based on your specific needs and goals.