Crowns and bridges can transform your smile by replacing and restoring missing or damaged teeth. We can help you decide which would be the best option for you.
Crowns
A crown is a cap placed over a tooth and held in place with strong dental adhesive or cement. Crowns are used for several reasons, including:
- A protective cover for badly decayed teeth or fractured teeth
- A permanent restoration for teeth with large fillings
- To correct minor problems in natural teeth, such as spacing, irregular shape and severe discolouration
Crowns can be made from a variety of materials, including plastic, ceramic and metal alloys. We ensure they are natural looking, blending perfectly with the rest of your teeth.
What does the treatment involve?
At your first appointment, we conduct a thorough clinical assessment to ensure you are suitable for crowns. Your dentist will also advise you on material choices and your full treatment plan, and answer any questions you may have.
During your second appointment, we will prepare the affected teeth. We remove a layer of your tooth to make space for the crown, which is usually done under local anaesthetic, and take an impression of the prepared tooth so your crown can be custom made. We fit a temporary crown to protect your tooth until your fitting appointment.
Once your crown is ready, we invite you in for your fitting appointment. We remove the temporary crown and try your permanent one on the tooth, checking for fit, harmony with the bite and appearance. When you are happy, the crown is cemented into place.
Bridges
Bridges are a very effective way to replace one or more missing teeth. They consist of a false tooth positioned between two crowns, which slot over the teeth either side of the gap. They can also be held in place with dental implants.
Bridges are usually made from precious metal or porcelain. In some cases, other metals are used in the base to give the bridge more strength. Bridges may seem expensive, but they can be a wise investment that will last for many years and also improve your appearance and bite. A bridge uses the considerable skill of the dentist and technician and, in this way, it’s similar to ordering a piece of hand-made jewellery.
What does the treatment involve?
Firstly, we examine and assess your teeth, making sure the teeth that will support the bridge are healthy and strong. These are then prepared, with a layer of enamel removed to accommodate a crown.
We then take impressions of your prepared teeth, which are sent to a laboratory so your bridge can be custom made. We fit a temporary bridge to protect your teeth until your bridge is ready.
At your fitting appointment, we check and adjust your bridge to ensure it fits perfectly and feels comfortable. It is then fixed into place using a strong dental adhesive.
Looking after your crown or bridge
The best way to care for your new crown or bridge is to keep up with your oral hygiene routine at home, including regular brushing and flossing. Crowns and bridges are made of materials that do not deteriorate over time, but the underlying tooth is still prone to decay and gum disease.
Regular check ups will enable your dentist to detect any problems with your crown or bridge and recommend any necessary treatment before these get worse.
