Crowns and bridges are established aspects of restorative dentistry, bringing functional, or cosmetic benefits, along with improving oral health.
Gaps where decay, or gum disease can start are removed, weakened teeth are strengthened and an even bite prevents strain on healthy teeth. Areas which have had root canal, or other intensive work can benefit.
Your smile and confidence also improve, perhaps your speech, or ability to maintain the diet you want. Rebuilding your teeth to a natural profile makes sense and with modern materials, much can be achieved.
Assessing Your Needs
A restorative dentist will carry out a thorough examination, along with any required imaging, or x-rays. They will discuss options and costs with you, taking time to understand your wishes, or individual needs.
Where a crown, or bridge is agreed as a solution, treatment holds a few common factors. Shade measurements help to create a perfect match with your teeth, impressions of damaged teeth and your wider bite will be required.
These are early stage aspects and at each stage, your dentist will share information. The fit and appearance of crowns, or bridges are approved by you and adjustments can be made, to ensure the additions feel as they should.
Dental Crowns
Crowns are an ideal way to build strength into teeth which have been damaged, or subject to decay. The entire tooth is capped, in a way that preserves the original size, shape and feel within your mouth.
A crown can cover a large, or discoloured filling, or overlay accident damage. They can also be part of wider restorative dentistry, helping to hold a denture, or bridge firmly in place.
Materials can include porcelain bonded to precious metal, perhaps porcelain alone for an anterior crown, which fits on your front teeth. The latest composite materials, or glass may be a useful option.
At your first treatment appointment, after a local anaesthetic, the tooth will be prepared to the ideal shape for a crown. Impressions, shade notes and any other helpful information will then be sent to the dental technician.
A temporary crown will be attached until the permanent fitting is ready, typically two weeks. Your new crown is then bonded in place and checked for fit, comfort, appearance.
Crowns will vary in size, post crowns can attach to the root and replace the visible tooth. In all cases, providing they are looked after as all teeth should be, they can create a new appearance for years to come.
Dental Bridges
Bridges are single, or multiple replacements for missing teeth, which attach to good teeth, with strong bone support. Precious, or sometimes non precious metals form the base of a bridge, with porcelain used for the surface.
As with crowns, your first appointment will be about preparation, impressions and shade matching. Your bridge is then made by a dental technician, before fitting and adjustment at a subsequent visit.
Dental bridges have advantages over partial dentures. They require a little care during cleaning, possibly the use of a bridge needle or special floss, yet in most senses are part of your permanent teeth.
There are different types of bridges and alternatives, not least dental implants. Bridges are not however reliant on the underlying jaw structure and whilst not a low cost dental treatment, they are cost effective.
Whatever type of bridge, or crown, or wider restorative dentistry you require, we promise an individual solution, delivered with skill and care. By all means contact our friendly team at any time for advice.
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