Crowns and bridges
It is important to repair a damaged or broken tooth or to replace it by an artificial tooth to improve your appearance and your general dental health. Restorative care solutions like crowns and bridges give teeth their original glow, strength and use.
CROWNS
Crowns cover the visible surface of the tooth. They are usually made out of porcelain or metal alloys. They are commonly used in the following cases:
- Root canal
- Large fillings
- Broken teeth
- Stains
- Accidents
- Misalignments
Crowns cover the visible surface of the tooth in part or in whole and protect it from other damages.
The process
- The dentist will start by making an impression or cast of your tooth to prepare a temporary crown
- After having given you a local anesthetic, the dentist will then file down your tooth to make room for the crown. A small part of your tooth can be removed, which will then have a dowel or peg inserted in it
- The dentist will then make an impression of the tooth and its adjacent teeth and send it to the lab so that the permanent crown will fit perfectly
- In between appointments, the dentist will manufacture the temporary crown which he will place on the dowel to protect the tooth while the permanent crown is being made. There is a possibility that the permanent crown does not have the same shape and color of permanent teeth
- On your next appointment, the dentist will take off the temporary crown and put the permanent one on. He will then check to make sure the crown is the right fit, shape and colour. If it is, your dentist will cement the crown into place. Your tooth will work and look as it did.
Your tooth may require special care or preparation. This means your treatment could last longer or take more than two appointments.
BRIDGES
Bridges are an artificial process for replacing one or several natural teeth. They are also referred to as "fixed bridges" when they are permanently anchored to adjacent teeth (or dental implants).
If you’re missing one or several teeth, your dentist can recommend a fixed bridge. To this end, he will prepare the adjacent teeth for a crown installation.
The replacement tooth and the two crowns are manufactured into one piece. The dentist places it in the mouth permanently by cementing it to healthy adjacent teeth. The bridge is not removable.
Why choose bridges?
- Bridges are very solid and with good professional care, they can last up to 10 years
- Replacing missing teeth prevents other teeth from moving and jaw problems affecting bite (teeth alignment when mouth is closed) from forming
- The adjacent area is likely to develop cavities and gingivitis
Things to consider
- Normally, local anesthesia is required to reduce and mold teeth for a crown installation
- Since it requires great precision, it may take 2 or 3 long sessions
- Crowns may have to be repaired or replaced after 10 years depending on your oral hygiene and dental habits
- Crowns and bridges are more expensive than other types of restoration treatments because of the time they take and the cost of materials used