Crowns and Bridges
Crowns and bridges can be used to restore or repair lost and damaged teeth. They are cemented onto your natural teeth or implants, making them a permanent solution to your dental problems.
Crowns
There are multiple reasons you might need a crown. Your dentist may recommend this option if you need to strengthen and repair a damaged tooth, improve the appearance of your teeth or protect any vulnerable teeth from fractures. They are also necessary if you decide to receive a bridge, as the bridge will be attached to the crown fixture. Here at Gentle Smile Dental, our treatments are designed to make you feel confident in your smile as well as improve your functionality. That’s why we offer porcelain crowns, which, unlike traditional metal crowns, are created to match the shade of your teeth, which makes them inconspicuous and visually appealing.
Bridges
If you are missing one or more teeth, your dentist may recommend having a bridge installed. It is important to fill in any gaps left by missing teeth for multiple reasons. Firstly, and perhaps most obviously, obvious gaps in your teeth may cause a loss of confidence. Secondly, it is easy for teeth to shift into those gaps, which can cause a misaligned bite. In some cases, this can heighten your risk of gum disease and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
The bridge will be cemented onto the teeth or implants around the gap during the procedure. Your dentist will attach the replacement teeth onto the crowns, which will have been inserted onto the surrounding teeth.
WHAT DOES THE PROCEDURE INVOLVE?
Before your dentist starts the main procedure, they will first reduce your natural teeth size or implants to make space for the crown. They will then take an impression of your teeth, so that your crown or bridge can be moulded to fit the size of your teeth. Once a dental lab has created them, your dentist will secure the crown and/or bridge to your teeth.
WHY MIGHT I NEED A CROWN OR BRIDGE?
Your dentist may suggest a crown or bridge for various different problems. They may be necessary to cover a broken tooth, hide chipped or stained teeth, replace lost teeth, or provide strength after you have received root canal treatment.
If you care for them in the correct way, crowns and bridges should last over the course of your lifetime. However, it is not unheard of for the structures to loosen or fall out if not adequately cared for. It’s essential that you maintain good oral hygiene to keep them strong and secured in place. By keeping the rest of your teeth strong, your crown or bridge will have a solid foundation for support. You should also always attend your regular dental checkups so that your dentist can spot any issues with your crowns and bridges before they escalate.
If you suspect you might be in need of crowns and bridges, please contact Gentle Smile Dental today to talk to a member of our expert team.
