Crowns & Bridges
A Natural Covering
Chances are you talk to people who have crowns or bridgework every single day and don’t even realize it. Dental crowns and bridges are designed to look just like your natural teeth and are of the most common ways to restore a single tooth or several teeth. It’s easiest to think of a crown as a “cap” that fits over a damaged, decayed, or unattractive tooth, completely covering the tooth above the gum line.
When Would You Need A Crown?
Cover discolored or worn teeth
If you feel that your teeth are becoming more transparent or darker in colour, they may be wearing down. Your dentist will discuss the reasons behind this as they must be treated first. If your dentist recommends a crown restoration, then this crown will be made to match the natural shape and strength of your existing tooth in a ceramic material.
Replacement of a large filling
If your teeth are heavily filled, they may be at risk of fractures or de-bonding of fillings. Frequent replacement of fillings can lead to loss of precious tooth structure. Repeated dental treatment on the same tooth may lead to deepening of the filling and subsequent nerve inflammation. To avoid these complications, your dentist may recommend that a crown is constructed before the filling becomes too large and remaining tooth structure is too short to support a crown.
To stop a tooth from further cracking or fracturing
If your tooth is showing fine lines and cracks, or you occasionally feel sensitivity when biting into sticky or hard foods, your tooth may have a deep crack or may be at risk of complete fracture. This is common for heavily filled teeth, especially where an amalgam filling is in place. Your dentist may recommend a crown to restore the tooth and protect its cusps from splitting apart. The dentist may suggest replacing any amalgam with a ceramic restoration.
To anchor a bridge replacing a missing tooth
If a tooth is missing or lost, your dentist will discuss the options for tooth replacement. This may involve the placement of an implant or tooth-supported bridge. If two or more teeth directly next to the lost or missing tooth are at risk of fracture or are discoloured and need crowns, a bridge may be a good option to replace the missing tooth. When the bridge is produced, a porcelain tooth (pontic) is fused to the two or more crowns on either side. Once the crowns are fitted onto the adjoining teeth, the porcelain pontic appears to be emerging out of the gum. A bridge may be suitable for you if you are unable to have an implant due to issues with your overall health or dental health.
After root canal treatment
Root canal filled teeth are prone to fractures, due to the nature of root canal treatment and hollowing out of the tooth in the process. Dentists highly recommend crowning most root canal filled teeth to protect them from fractures and further bacterial infections.
What Is the Difference Between Crowns, Bridges, and Dental Implants?
Dental Crown: Crowns are used to completely cover or cap a damaged tooth. Crowns strengthen damaged teeth, while also improving the way it looks, is shaped, or aligned. They can also be placed on top of a dental implant to look and function like a tooth. This fixed prosthetic device is cemented onto a tooth or implant, and can only be removed by your dentist.
Dental Bridge: Bridges are used to “bridge” a gap left behind from one or more missing teeth. They are supported by either natural teeth around the gap or dental implants. Bridges cover the gap between missing teeth. The anchoring teeth are called abutments. The replacement tooth is attached to the crowns fitting over the abutments and is called a pontic.
Dental Implant: Implants are made of titanium (simulating a tooth root) and are placed into the jawbone surgically under the gum line. This allows your dentist to affix replacement teeth or a bridge over the affected area. This stable tooth replacement is unlike dentures in that it can’t come loose and is unlike bridges in that it doesn’t have to be anchored to adjoining teeth.
Low-Cost Dental Crowns & Bridges
Don't delay your dental treatment because of costs! We have very flexible payment options and accept most insurance plans.
