Crowns & Bridges
Overview
Our team of caring dentists will use the best materials and take pride in making your crowns and smile look the best it can be. Dentistry has come a long way and we are proud to offer you skillful cosmetic dentistry.
Crowns are usually made of porcelain, but can also be made from gold alloy.
Porcelain crowns act as the tooth’s natural hard enamel for teeth that have become weakened and brittle, or for teeth that require a more aesthetic shape. The porcelain crown is carefully constructed and fits over the existing natural tooth and replaces the tooth’s natural crown, the part of the tooth that is seen above the gums.
They are resistant to staining and can also be cleaned if they become stained.
Bridges replace one or more missing teeth. They consist of an artificial tooth attached to the natural teeth on either side of the gap. Ideally the teeth on either side of the missing tooth are crowned with the pontic (the artificial tooth) attached to the crowns.
Other types of bridges
- Cantilever bridge - These are constructed where there is no natural tooth on one side. The bridge attaches to the tooth next to the missing tooth and holds the artificial tooth in place.
- A Maryland Bridge - This is a bridge with a pontic (artificial tooth) attached in between two metal wings that are cemented to the existing teeth on either side.
Why are they used
- To improve appearance
- To prevent stresses causing damage to other teeth
- To prevent the teeth near the gap from shifting
- To maintain the natural bite
- To improve chewing ability
The disadvantage of bridges is the necessity of involving the natural teeth on either side of the gap into the treatment. A solution to this problem is implant technology. Please see “Dental Implants”.