Dental Crowns & Bridges
What is a dental crown
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​A crown is a custom-made restoration that surrounds each surface of the tooth and gives the appearance of a natural tooth.
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When would we use a dental crown
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We use a dental crown when a tooth is heavily compromised due to fractures or extensive treatment. If the tooth cannot be restored with a filling material then a crown would be advised as a long-term solution. A dental crown can be used to replace failing crowns, restore broken teeth, protect heavily filled teeth, provide a cosmetic smile and restore a dental implant. Crowning a tooth also ensures the remaining structure underneath is well protected. and can function like a normal tooth.
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It is also advisable to crown teeth that have undergone root canal treatments. Research shows crowning root treated teeth prolongs the lifespan of these teeth.
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What are dental crowns made of
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Crowns are made from a variety of materials, at your dental examination the dentist will discuss with you the most appropriate crown for you based on your individual case and budget.
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Alloy/gold crown:
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These are made of a combination of metals either gold or silver in colour.
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Porcelain fused to metal (PFM):
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This crown has a metal substructure with a porcelain coat to give the appearance of a natural tooth, these crowns are generally used for molar teeth.
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Porcelain:
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These are fully porcelain crowns which are used for front teeth.
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Ceramic:
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Emax® and Zirconia are both high-quality materials. The ceramic is compressed which is robust enough to withstand the pressure of eating and chewing but gives the appearance of tooth like properties. Emax® is used for all our smile design cases due to its strength and detail the material provides.
Bridges
A dental bridge is used as an option to replace a single missing tooth. Teeth either side of the missing tooth are used to support a bridge to cover the gap. A bridge is used in specific dental cases as the supporting teeth must be structurally sound. Bridges can also be used to support dental implants.​
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Dental Bridge options
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The dentist will discuss all available bridge options with you at your dental examination and advise the most appropriate based on the health of the adjacent teeth.
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Traditional bridge: This uses a pontic (fake tooth) that is supported by dental crowns either side, this is the most conventional bridge system used.
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Cantilever bridge: This is similar to the traditional bridge however instead of using crowns either side a single crown can support this system.
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Maryland bridge: The Maryland bridge uses a wing which is attached to the back of either adjacent tooth. The Maryland bring is generally used for anterior teeth.
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What are dental bridges made of
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Dental bridges are made of the same materials as crowns except alloy/gold or gold material. A bridge is a large structure therefore ceramic or porcelain material is used for this treatment. Alternative options to a bridge are dentures or dental implants.
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If you would like more information about dental implants then contact our experienced coordinator for a complementary consultation to begin your treatment journey.