Bridges and crowns are prosthetic devices which are fixed to existing teeth or implants. Crowns are most commonly used to cover a damaged tooth or implant. Your dentist north wales may suggest a crown to:
- Replace a filling where there isn’t much tooth left
- Protect a weakened tooth from becoming fractured
- Restore a cracked tooth
- Attach a bridge
- Cover up a dental implant
- Cover a discoloured tooth or an odd-shaped tooth
- Cover a tooth which has had a root canal
Gaps left in the mouth by missing teeth will eventually cause other teeth to move and can result in a bad bite. This can also lead to gum disease and TMJ. Bridges are used when you are missing multiple teeth – they cover the gap where these teeth are missing and are attached to surrounding teeth.
On top of adding strength to a damaged tooth, crowns and bridges are also used to improve the look of your smile, the shape of your teeth, the alignment and your bite.
How do I care for my crown?
Whilst both crowns and bridges can last a lifetime, they can sometimes become loose or even fall out. To ensure the longevity of your crown, you should practice good oral hygiene. Brush with fluoride toothpaste twice daily and floss your teeth daily. You could also use a proxabrush, which is a small brush designed to get in the tiny gaps between teeth.
Make sure to visit your dentist regularly and attend professional cleaning appointments. To prevent any damage, avoid chewing hard items such as ice, and hard foods.
What is the procedure to apply a crown or bridge?
A crown can be placed on an implant to provide a tooth-like structure, and they can be matched to the colour of your teeth. Crowns can also be made from gold or metal alloys which are stronger than the porcelain versions, so might be recommended for back teeth.
A bridge is mounted to space where multiple teeth are missing, and attached to surrounding teeth. These teeth are like anchors for the bridge, and a replacement tooth will sit in the middle of them.
The fitting of a dental bridge will require at least two appointments. They will start by making a mould of the affected teeth, and on the next visit, they will fit the bridge. After the local anaesthetic wears off the bridge should feel comfortable in your mouth.
