Crowns and Bridges
We provide all types, including high quality natural-looking crowns and bridges to restore and replace missing teeth. These are bonded securely to your existing teeth, unlike dentures, which can be taken out for cleaning and sleeping.
Crowns
A crown is a durable restoration used to completely cover a damaged tooth. A crown not only strengthens a vulnerable tooth, but can also improve its appearance, shape and functionality.
Crowns can be used to replace a large filling, prevent further damage, hide discolouration or protect a tooth that has had root canal treatment.
Bridges
A bridge can be used to replace one or more missing teeth by spanning a gap. They usually consist of a false tooth set between two crowns, which are then fixed to the teeth either side of a gap (the abutment teeth) or they can be held in place with dental implants. They offer a more workable and durable alternative to removable dentures.
Types of bridge
- Traditional bridge – a false tooth located between two crowns.
- Cantilever bridges – these are used when there are existing teeth on only one side of a gap and are generally only suitable for areas of your mouth that experience less stress, such as your front teeth.
- Resin-bonded (Maryland Bridges) – this features a false tooth fused to metal or ceramic wings that are fixed to supporting teeth.
Advantages of crowns and bridges
- Natural-looking – they can be produced from realistic tooth-coloured materials
- Protective and fortifying
- Firmly fixed – they are cemented to existing teeth
- Durable
- Functional – they help to correctly distribute the forces in your bite making eating easier
- Easy to get used to
Materials
Crowns and bridges can be made from a variety of materials, including porcelain, gold, metal alloys and ceramic. Each have pros and cons, but we will help you decide which one works best for you.
The treatment process
- We carefully remove a thin layer of tooth or filling material so the new crown/ bridge will fit neatly in place.
- We take impressions of your teeth and record their colour to fit with your natural teeth and blend in perfectly.
- While waiting for your crown, we protect the prepared tooth/teeth with a temporary restoration.
- When ready, we remove this temporary crown/bridge and fix the permanent one firmly in place with dental cement.
Further Information
A crown helps to protect a tooth from decay, but not at the gum line, and it will not prevent gum disease, so keep it bacteria-free with regular brushing and flossing. Maintaining a good oral hygiene routine and seeing your dentist for check-ups will help ensure the longevity of your crown/ bridge. It’s also a good idea to avoid chewing very hard foods or very sticky foods (toffee) to prevent any damage.