Crowns and Bridges

Crown and BridgePeople choose to get bridges and crowns for a number of reasons including increased ability to chew, to prevent fracture of a tooth after root canal therapy and to keep the dentition aligned or for cosmetic reasons. In addition to these reasons, they can help retain the shape of the face and improve speech difficulties that result from missing teeth.

If you are missing one or more teeth, a bridge or dental implant can replace the tooth or teeth and improve your chewing function and appearance. Bridges are colored teeth and shaped to look like your natural teeth.

If you have a tooth or teeth which have been done root canal therapy (RCT) on them or have extensive filling, they can be capped (crowned) to prevent breakage (fracture) and increase their life span.

Your dentist at Dentistry For You Clinic may recommend you some of the mentioned (like  crown, bridge or etc.) procedures.

Bridges are fixed partial dentures, unlike removable dentures, cannot be removed by patient and can only be removed by a dentist. Bridge can be made of a metal and porcelain which is called PFM or porcelain like zinconia and lithium DiSilicate (e-max).

Crowns can be used to restore or cover a tooth which is broken, discolored, done RCT, large filling or cracked. Crowns can also be used as an anchor for bridges.

The procedure to have a crown or bridge usually requires two appointments. At the first appointment the dentist will prepare the tooth or teeth and make an impression or mold of your teeth. This mold along with the correct tooth color is sent to the dental lab. The lab technicians will make the crown or bridge from the impression has been made by the dentist that matched to the size, shape, and color of your natural teeth. Bridges can be made from a variety of materials such as porcelain, precious and non-precious metals, ziconia, or e-max. Crowns are usually made of porcelain, porcelain fused to metal or composite resin.

The dentist will then set a temporary crown or bridge in place until the permanent crown or bridge is ready, usually in one to two weeks.

At the second appointment the dentist will remove the temporary and cement or bond the crown or bridge to the tooth or teeth. The dentist may have you return in a couple of weeks to check the bridge or crown.

It is important to practice good dental hygiene and have regular dental exams. If you have questions or concerns about bridges or crowns contact Dentistry For You Clinic in Thornhill.