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Restorative

Crowns and Bridges

Repair cracks, fractures, and deep tooth decay with modern day dental crowns and bridges.


Crowns and Bridges benefits

Beautiful smile

Crowns and bridges improve the aesthetics of your teeth to create a beautiful, confident smile.

Restored function

Replacing missing teeth improves your ability to eat effectively and speak clearly.

Easy maintenance

Care for crowns or bridges like you would natural teeth, with brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups.


Dental crowns

Crowns are recommended when a tooth has broken, worn down or is decayed so much that a filling is no longer an option. Created from porcelain or metal, crowns are made in a dental lab to your exact specifications. The restoration is then bonded over your existing tooth (literally ‘crowning’ it). Crowns are also used to secure a dental bridge in place.

Dental bridges

Bridges hide the spaces in your smile caused by large gaps or missing teeth, and consist of a prosthetic fitting secured at each end by a crown. Even if your missing teeth are causing no discomfort, dental bridges are highly recommended for preventing potential future problems. These include bite distortion, caused by your remaining teeth shifting to fill the gap, and vulnerability to gum disease and jaw pain. Like crowns, bridges are usually created from porcelain or precious metal, and are an excellent fixed alternative to dentures.

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How it works

1

Tooth preparation.

Your dentist will prepare the affected tooth by carefully preparing it into the appropriate shape for the indicated crown.

2

Dental impressions.

Dental impressions are taken of the tooth, or digital scanning is carried out and sent to a dental laboratory to create the crown or bridge.

3

Temporary restoration.

Whilst the crowns or bridges are being made by the lab; a temporary crown fit will be applied during the visit.

4

Crown or bridge created.

Impressions go to a dental lab, where skilled technicians craft your custom crown or bridge.

5

Cementing restoration.

The crown is cemented to your treated tooth after it is tried. You will be advised to carry out meticulous oral hygiene measures, brush, floss, and attend check-ups as normal.



A word from our patients

We always want to make sure our patients have an exceptional experience and leave our practices with happy smiles. Here are some of our most recent success stories.

Excellent work! I’ve recently had a new crown fitted. The dentist makes you feel at ease and is very professional.


FAQs

What is the difference between a crown and a bridge?

A crown is a single-tooth restoration that caps your existing tooth. A bridge replaces one or more adjacent missing teeth with a prosthetic that literally bridges the gap, held in place at each end by a crown.

What are dental bridges and crowns made of?

Porcelain fused to metal are the usual materials from which crowns and bridges are made; they have a proven track record for success and look great. Bridges and crowns may also be made of other materials such as: Gold: a hardy metal that wears at a similar rate to teeth. The most durable and predictable material for crowns. Zirconia: used because it’s extremely strong, even in thin sections. Colour matching may at times be a challenge. Ceramic: All ceramic bridges have the advantage of looking natural. They usually have a zirconia core for strength and are layered with porcelain.

How is a crown or bridge fitted?

Before your custom restoration is made at the lab, your dentist will prepare your tooth by filling it down into a smooth shape that correctly accommodates the restoration. Dental impressions will then be taken and sent to the lab where your restoration will be made. When it is ready, you’ll return to the dentist to have your crown or bridge cemented in place.

How long will my crown or bridge last for?

Dental crowns last 15 – 20 years on average, whereas bridges may last 10 – 20 years. However, in many cases they can last even longer depending on how well looked after they are, the type of materials used, and the condition of the supporting teeth.

What types of dental bridge are there?

There are three types of bridges available: Fixed bridges This most commonly used bridge uses two single crowns to hold a false tooth in between. Supporting structures will be either teeth or implants. Cantilever bridges With this option, only one tooth is used to hold the false tooth, or in some cases, two teeth on the same side. Resin-bonded bridges These can be a permanent option, but can also be used as an interim solution for front teeth while waiting for an implant. For this option, a metal wing is bonded to the back of one or more of your teeth to retain the false tooth.

Are there any alternatives to crowns and dental bridges?

The main alternatives to crowns and dental bridges are dentures or implants. There’s also the option of nothing at all.


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