What are dental crowns and bridges?
If a tooth is damaged, cracked or broken such that a simple filling or cosmetic bonding is insufficient to repair it, then a dental crown can be employed. This is a protective cover or cap that fits over the damaged tooth, effectively replacing the natural outer layer so restoring the tooth to full use. Up until quite recently, dental crowns were made from porcelain but now the modern material of choice is the stronger and more aesthetically pleasing dental ceramic. Old style porcelain crowns were built on top of a supporting metal base which formed the unsightly black line often seen at the gum line. Stronger modern ceramics avoid this and give an overall better aesthetic result.
If a tooth is damaged beyond repair and it needs to be removed then we can form a bridge using the same process as a crown.
The process
The cosmetic dentist will first dress the underlying damaged tooth to form a suitable base for the new dental crown. Next a rubber type mould is used to take an accurate impression of the tooth for use by the dental laboratory who will build the reconstruction crown or bridge. The dentist will also perform careful colour matching to ensure that the tooth town or bridge matches the remaining teeth.
A temporary crown or bridge will be placed whilst the laboratory uses the mould to construct the final crown or bridge, often this process is complete in just a couple of weeks. On the return visit, the temporary crown is removed and the permanent version fitted with very strong dental adhesive which bonds the restoration to the underlying natural tooth.
Advantages and disadvantages of dental crowns & bridges
look very similar to natural teeth
newer materials eliminate the dark gum line associated with old fashioned dental crowns
are semi-permanent with very good longevity
newer, stronger materials are much more able to withstand heavy bites
involves some invasive dentistry where the underlying tooth is prepared to receive the new dental crown