Fixed prosthesis (crowns and bridges)
What are dental Crowns and Bridges?
Both crowns and bridges are fixed prosthetic devices. They are cemented onto the existing teeth or implants and can only be removed by a dentist.
A crown: is used to entirely cover or cap a damaged tooth. Besides strengthening a damaged tooth, a crown can be used to improve its appearance, shape or alignment. A crown is also placed on top of an implant to provide a tooth-like shape and structure for function.
Porcelain or ceramic crowns have colours that exactly match the natural teeth.
Dr. Ashraf Harris may recommend a crown to:
- Replace a large filling when there isn’t enough tooth remaining.
- Protect a weak tooth from fracturing.
- Restore a fractured tooth.
- Attach a bridge.
- Cover a dental implant.
- Cover a discoloured or poorly shaped tooth.
- Cover a tooth that has had root canal treatment.
In our office all single crowns are made by the most recent cerece system.
A bridge: Is recommended if you are missing one or more teeth. Gaps left by missing teeth eventually cause the remaining teeth to rotate or shift into the empty spaces, resulting in a bad bite.
The imbalance caused by missing teeth can also lead to gum diseases and TMJ disorders. (see TMJ disorders treatment in our services).
Bridges are commonly used to replace one or more missing teeth. Bridges are cemented to the natural teeth or implants surrounding the empty space. These teeth, serve as anchors for the bridge, and the replacement tooth or teeth are attached in between. Porcelain or ceramic bridges have matching colours to those of the natural teeth.
Before either a crown or a bridge can be made, the tooth (or teeth) must be reduced in size so that the crown or bridge will fit properly.
An impression is taken for the reduced teeth (optical impression using CAD/CAM in case of CEREC crowns) and the colour of the teeth is determined to match the colour of your existing teeth. A temporary crown or bridge will be put in place to cover the prepared tooth or teeth while the permanent crown or bridge is being made. When the permanent crown or bridge is ready, the temporary ones are removed and the new crown or bridge is cemented over your prepared tooth or teeth.
Crowns and bridges last for years and to ensure their longevity you must practice good oral hygiene. Keep your gums and teeth healthy by brushing and flossing daily, also regular checkups and professional cleaning are recommended.
