Crown & Bridges
Porcelain Crowns
A Crown (or cap), is a covering that encases the entire tooth surface restoring it to its original shape and size. A crown protects the teeth and strengthens the tooth structure that can not be restored by fillings and other types of dental materials.
Although there are several types of crowns today Porcelain (tooth coloured) crowns are the most popular and the most durable. They resemble your natural teeth and are very, very natural to look at. Their high durability will last for many years but unlike most dental restorations they may also have to be replaced in years to come.
Porcelain crowns are made to match the shape, size and colour of your teeth giving you a natural long lasting beautiful smile.
Reason for Crowns
- A broken or fractured tooth
- Cosmetic enhancement to restore a shape or size of a tooth
- A heavily decayed tooth
- Fractured or dislodged fillings
- Very large fillings
- Has had a Root Canal Therapy
What does getting a crown involve?
A crown procedure is an easy procedure that usually requires two appointments. Your fist appointment will include taking several highly accurate models/moulds that will be used to construct your custom crown at a dental laboratory. This mould will be used to create a temporary crown which will stay in your mouth for approximately two weeks until your new crown is fabricated.
While the tooth is numb, your doctor will repair the tooth be removing any decay and shaping the surface to properly fit the crown. Once these are accomplished, your temporary crown will be placed with temporary cement and your bite will be checked to ensure that you are biting correctly.
At your second appointment your temporary crown will be removed, your tooth will be cleaned and your new crown will be carefully placed to ensure the spacing and bites are accurate. You will be given instructions on how to maintain and clean your new crown. Please have regular dental visits to ensure the long life span of your crown.
Porcelain Fixed Bridges
A dental bridge is a non-removable appliance which will help replace missing teeth. There are several types of bridges today, your doctor will discuss the best option for your particular case.
Porcelain fixed bridges are very popular today because the resemble your natural teeth and looks almost like your real teeth. This type of bridge consist of two crowns that go over two anchoring teeth (bauentent teeth) and are attached to Ponticks (artificial teeth), filling the cap by created by one of your missing teeth.
Dental bridges are highly durable and will last many years if taken care of. However the made need to be replaced or re-cemented due to normal wear.
Reason for Bridge:
- Full space of missing teeth.
- To maintain your facial type and to prevent soft tissue collapse.
- Prevent any reaming teeth drifting out of position and crumbling down.
- Restore chewing and speaking ability.
- To restore your smile.
- To replace a partial removable denture to a fixed permanent appliance.
What does getting a bridge involve?
A dental bridge appointment requires two or more visits. While the teeth are numb the two anchoring teeth are prepared by removing a portion of the enamel to allow for a crown to sit tightly.
Next, a highly accurate mould is made which will be sent to a dental laboratory where the bridge will be fabricated. In addition a temporary bridge will be made so that you will be able to eat for the next two weeks until your bridge is fabricated.
On the second visit your permanent bridge will be carefully checked, adjusted and cemented. You will be given instructions at the end of this appointment on how to properly clean and maintain your bridge to aid the life of your new permanent fixture.