SPECIALISED DENTISTRY
Crowns, Bridges and Ceramic Restorations:
Ceramic Restorations
- In some cases a ceramic filling can be done instead of a crown.
- Depending on the amount of healthy tooth structure left, the missing part of the tooth will be replaced with either an inlay, onlay or overlay ( see picture below for explanation)
- The ceramic filling will be manufactured by a dental laboratory and will be cemented into your tooth
Crowns
What are crowns?
- A crown is used to entirely cover or "cap" a damaged tooth.
- A crown is cemented onto your own tooth structure and functions as your own teeth.
- Porcelain or ceramic crowns can be matched to the colour of your natural teeth.
When will a crown be recommended?
- To replace a large filling when there isn't enough tooth remaining
- Protect a weak tooth from fracturing, thus strengthening the remaining tooth structure.
- Restore a fractured tooth
- Cover a discoloured or poorly shaped tooth, thus improving the appearance and alignment.
- Cover a tooth that had a root canal treatment. -Implant crown
Bridge
What are bridges and when will they be recommended?
- Bridges are commonly used to replace one or more missing teeth.
- Bridges are cemented onto the natural teeth or implants adjacent to the missing teeth.
- Porcelain or ceramic bridges can be matched to the colour of your natural teeth.
What are the consequences of not replacing missing teeth?
- Remaining teeth will rotate or shift into the space, making later restoration difficult.
- The bite will be unbalanced as the side without missing teeth will be favoured for function.
- The imbalance of missing teeth can also cause strain on the jaw(joint).
- Missing teeth are unaesthetic.
Crowns
How are Crowns and Bridges Made?
The tooth/teeth needing a crown or bridge will be prepared clinically, after which an impression will be taken and send to a dental laboratory.
In between the two visits, the prepared tooth/teeth will be covered with a temporary crown or bridge.
The laboratory manufactured crown or bridge will be cemented onto the prepared tooth/teeth during the second visit.
What is the lifespan of crowns and bridges?
Crowns and bridges can last a lifetime.
To ensure the longevity of your crown or bridge is to practice good oral hygiene.
A bridge will be fixed in place as long as the supporting tooth structure is sound.
Prevent damage to your crown or bridge by avoiding hard foods, ice or other hard objects.
