CROWNS:
A crown is a dental treatment that is used to strengthen or improve the appearance of a tooth that has been weakened. It is a great solution for severely damaged teeth that have had extensive fillings, are badly broken down or have had root canal treatment.
A crown acts as a cover that sits tightly over the prepare tooth which improves it’s strength and appearance. By acting as a cover a crown will prevent the tooth and any fillings that are present on it from damage in the future. Depending on the nature of the damage on your tooth, at DentoMak we will make a judgement on whether it is best treated with a full crown, a partial crown or in some cases with onlays or inlays (link).
Crowns may be made of metal, porcelain or a combination of the two.
BRIDGES:
Bridges are a dental treatment option that can be used to replace one or more missing teeth in your mouth. They consist of an artificial tooth that is anchored to the adjacent natural teeth. Replacing missing tooth is important as it prevents shifting of the teeth near the gap, it improves appearance and speech, it maintains your natural bite and improve chewing ability. Like crowns, bridges can also be made in metal, porcelain or a combination of the two.
Crowns and bridges are both done over two appointments. On your first visit our dentists will prepare your teeth to receive the crown or bridge. A mould is taken of your prepared teeth and is sent to our dental lab to construct the crown or bridge to the specifications provided by your dentist. To protect the prepared teeth, on your first appointment we will also make a temporary crown to protect your prepared tooth. On your second appointment, the temporary crown is removed and the new crown or bridge is placed over your teeth to check if the crown fits properly to your natural tooth, and whether the shape and colour are matching your natural teeth. If both the dentist and the patient are happy with the results, the crown or the bridge is then cemented permanently on your teeth.
Hygiene and Care of your Crowns/Bridges:
In general, crowns and bridges should last for many years. However there is no lifetime guarantee. The longevity of the crown and bridge, the same as your natural teeth, depends on good oral hygeine, oral health and the forces you apply on your teeth. That’s why regular dental check-ups are important as well as maintaing immaculate oral hygeine. Both Crowns and bridges require regular flossing and brushing with extra attentions to be provided around the margins of the teeth where decay is more likely to appear. Your dentist will show you how to properly clean your crown and bridge so that you can extend it’s lifespan as far as possible.