Crown & Bridge

Both dental crowns and bridges are cemented (non-removable) extra-coronal restorations that cover the outer surface of the tooth to reproduce the tooth’s natural shape and contour while allowing it to perform its function. While offering a very cosmetically appealing restoration their main function is to protect the tooth from further damage.

A crown, which entirely covers a damaged tooth, is used to strengthen the tooth, improve its appearance/shape and/or align the tooth. A crown is typically recommended to:

1. The tooth (or teeth) to be crowned are reduced in size to allow proper fit and contour over the existing tooth.
2. A shade is selected for the crown/bridge so as to match the existing teeth and provide a natural appearance.
3. Once the tooth/teeth are prepared an impression is taken to provide an exact mold of the prepared tooth/teeth.
4. A temporary restoration will be placed on the prepared tooth/teeth while the mold is sent to the laboratory where your permanent crown/bridge is fabricated.

When the crown/bridge is ready, the temporary crown/bridge is removed and the permanent crown/bridge is permanently cemented into place over the prepared tooth/teeth.
What is the prognosis for a crown/bridge? A tooth that has a crown or bridge can last a lifetime. The most important step that is taken to ensure the longevity of a crown or bridge is good oral hygiene practice and regular dental check-ups.

A bridge is commonly recommended when one or more teeth are missing, in order to cover the span and restore the edentulous areas. Bridges are essentially crowns placed over the remaining teeth (called abutments) which act like anchors for the false tooth (pontic) filling the space where the tooth was missing. Unlike dentures, which you take out daily, bridges are permanently cemented onto the existing teeth and can only be removed by a dentist.