Smile with Confidence
If you have a missing or damaged tooth, then a dental crown or bridge could be a solution. Dental crowns and bridges are prosthetic devices that are bonded or anchored in your mouth. Unlike dentures, you cannot remove them.
At our Edmondson Park dental practice, our aim is for all our patients to have optimal oral health and a smile they love. If you’re unsure if a dental crown or bridge is right for you, a consultation with one of our experienced dentists can help you determine the most suitable treatment path.
What is The Difference Between Crowns and Bridges
A Crown
A dental crown is a cap that is placed over a damaged tooth to restore its structure, function, aesthetic and prevent further damage. They can also be used to top a dental implant. A crown can improve your oral health and the appearance of your smile. Crowns are matched to your existing tooth colour resulting in a natural looking finish. They can be made from different materials such as porcelain and composite resin.
Your dentist may recommend a crown to:
- Restore a damaged tooth
- Prevent further damage
- Finish a dental implant
- Cover a tooth that has had root canal treatment
- For cosmetic reasons such as disguising a discoloured or misshapen tooth
- As an attachment point for a bridge
A dental crown procedure will be done under local anaesthetic. This will numb the area and allow your dentist to prepare the tooth. The tooth will be shaped and prepared for the fitting of the crown.
The crown will be prepared in a specialised lab and matched to the colour of your existing teeth. It is important to note that crowns cannot be whitened. If you wish to undergo a whitening treatment this should be done before your procedure.
Once the crown has been made your dentist will place it over the tooth. A special adhesive is used to keep it in place.
A Bridge
Bridges can be used when you are missing one or more teeth. They anchor to crowns on the surrounding teeth, filling the gap in between them. If gaps from missing teeth are left unfilled, the surrounding teeth can begin to shift, potentially causing bite and alignment issues. So, a dental bridge can improve your oral health and your smile.
Bridges are also matched to your natural tooth colour and are made from a combination of porcelain and metal.
Your dentist may recommend a bridge to:
- Replace one or more missing teeth
- Enhance your smile
- Stop teeth from moving out of place
- Restore function to your teeth
Your dentist will begin by preparing your mouth for the bridge. Any decay will be removed, and the natural teeth beside will be filed down to create room for the bridge. An impression will be taken of your mouth and sent to a lab where the bridge is made.
A temporary bridge will be put in place to protect your teeth in the meantime. Once the bridge is ready, your dentist will ensure the perfect fit before bonding it in place.
How Long do Crowns and Bridges Last For
With good oral health care habits, both bridges and crowns can last for years. Bridges cannot be flossed as they are a single piece. This means you need to pay special attention to the gumline.
Maintaining regular dental check-ups and cleans will extend the life of your crown or bridge and ensure your oral health is the best it can be.
We Also Serve Patients from the Following Areas
- Moorebank
- Liverpool
- Casula
- Ingleburn
- Carnes Hill
- Glenfield
- Austral
