Both crowns and most bridges are fixed prosthetic devices. Unlike removable devices such as dentures, which you can take out and clean daily, crowns and bridges are cemented onto existing teeth or implants, and can only be removed by a dentist.

A dental bridge is used to fill a gap created by one or more missing teeth. It is mounted onto existing teeth or implants. Gaps left by missing teeth can 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 disease and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

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 can also be placed on top of an implant to provide a tooth-like shape and structure for function.

Examples of indications for a dental crown and/or bridge:

  • Restoring a chipped, cracked or worn-down tooth
  • Protecting a weak tooth
  • Covering a tooth with a large filling
  • Covering a dental implant
  • Covering misshaped or discoloured teeth
  • Restoring your smile
  • Improving ability to chew and speak
  • Maintaining the shape of your face
  • Distributing the force in your bite properly
  • Preventing remaining teeth from shifting positions

There are many different type of crowns and bridges. Your dentist will go through the most ideal option for you after an oral health assessment. The suitability of a candidate for dental crown and bridge can depend on many factors including: Oral health diagnosis, jawbone density and personal preference.

Typically, two appointments would be needed:

First appointment: your dentist will prepare the teeth adjacent to the gap (for a bridge) or the tooth (for a crown), reshaping them to allow room for the bridge/crown to be placed over them. Impressions of your teeth will be made and sent to a dental lab to serve as a model for your dental bridge/crown to ensure a proper fit and colour match. A temporary bridge/crown usually is made to put on the prepared tooth/teeth while awaiting for the permanent ones to be constructed by the lab.

Second appointment: Once your new bridge/crown arrives from the dental lab, it will be checked and adjusted for a perfect fit. If everything is satisfactory, it will be cemented with a permanent strong cement.

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