A crown is used to entirely cover or “cap” a damaged tooth.
There are several different types of dental crowns
- metal crowns
- porcelain fused to metal crowns
- pure porcelain
- zirconia porcelain crowns
We may recommend a crown to:
- replace a large filling when there is not enough tooth remaining
- attach a dental bridge
- cover a dental implant
- cover a discoloured or poorly shaped tooth
- cover a tooth that has had root-canal treatment
A bridge may be recommended
- if you are missing one or more teeth.
- if they span an empty space where the teeth are missing
Dental Bridges are cemented to the natural teeth or implants surrounding the empty space. These teeth, called abutments, serve as anchors for the bridge. Porcelain or ceramic bridges can be matched to the colour of your natural teeth.
How are dental crowns and bridges made?
Before either a Dental crown or a bridge can be made, the tooth (or teeth) must be reduced in size so that the crown or bridge will fit properly. After that, we shall take an impression to provide an exact mould for the crown or bridge. Finally, we shall determine the right shade for the crown or bridge to match the colour of your existing teeth. Using the impression, the dental lab makes your dental crown or bridge. In the meantime, a temporary crown or bridge will be put in place to cover the prepared tooth. The permanent crown or bridge is made. When the permanent crown or dental bridge is ready, the temporary crown or bridge is removed and the new one is cemented over your prepared tooth or teeth. To protect your new crown or bridge, avoid chewing hard food or other hard objects.
If you have any questions about dental crowns and dental bridges, give us a call today!