What is a Crown and Bridge

Tooth Coloured Crown

Gold Coloured Crown

Crown and bridges are fixed to existing teeth or implants.

Basically a crown is like a “cap” that sits over and is glued to a damaged tooth or a placed implant.

When used on a damaged tooth it strengthens the tooth against cracking and breaking, it can also be used to improve the appearance or the colour and shape as well as a tool for the dentist to use to straighten the alignment of a mildly crooked tooth and is another alternative to having braces in some cases.

A crown can also be placed on top of an implant (which is a screw placed in a patients jaw) in order to replace a missing tooth and restore patients function or smile.

We may recommend a crown if:

You have a very large filling and the tooth is very likely to break or it is very difficult to restore
If there is a crack in the tooth and we want to protect the tooth from cracking any further
To attach a bridge
to restore an implant
To mask a poorly shaped tooth or cover an unsightly looking tooth
After a root canal to protect the tooth and create a good seal

A bridge is a fixed alternative to replace missing teeth, they are much better than dentures as they do not come out and often feels like you have the missing tooth back in its place. They span the gap and like the name implies “bridges” the space made by the missing tooth or teeth. Bridges are cemented in place by being connected to crowns which are glued to teeth on either side of the gap.

Generally crowns and bridges are made of gold or a metal alloy which than can also be covered by porcelain in order to give it a natural tooth look. Alternatively they can be made of acrylic or ceramics. It is very hard to distinguish the difference between a patient’s real tooth and a placed crown or bridge.

Book an appointment today to speak to one of our friendly, gentle dentist to see how you can benefit from a crown or bridge.