Bridges

What is a bridge?

When a tooth is missing due to loss or extraction, the surrounding and antagonistic teeth often shift often within very short periods of time. This change in tooth position can cause problems with the bite or gums that can be expensive and time-consuming to correct later. It is wise therefore to consider replacement of a missing tooth quickly as possible. Sometimes the bite may remain stable even after the loss of teeth and in these situations your dentist may advise that you could leave the space if it is not an aesthetic problem for you.

A single or multiple missing may be replaced by the fabrication of a fixed bridge. Teeth either side of the space can be used to anchor the bridge either with some preparation of these teeth or occasionally no preparation at all. Alternatives to bridgework include removable bridges or dentures, dental implants and of-course to leave the space. In most situations these days an implant is the treatment of choice where possible as it is very predictable, does not involve any damage to adjacent teeth, and will last many years if looked after.  Your dentist will always advise and discuss all the alternatives available to you.

Conventional fixed bridge

This would involve cutting teeth adjacent to the gap down to receive a crown. The bridge consists of two crowns and the replacement tooth all in one metal/porcelain unit.

Crowns

What is a crown?

A crown replaces part or all of the natural crown, or visible part, of a tooth. It is also sometimes referred to as a replacement crown or a cap and is used in the following circumstances:

• When most, or a large part of the original crown of a tooth has been destroyed
• When a healthy tooth forms part of a bridge, or when it is used for cosmetic purposes
• A natural crown that has become discoloured or unsightly. The new crown can be made to match the surrounding teeth in colour, shape and proportion

A replacement crown is prepared by the dentist and made by a dental technician.

What does the treatment consist of?

• The tooth will initially be prepared by paring it down and removing any decay.
• An impression of the prepared tooth is made using an elastic material.
• A temporary acrylic crown is then fitted over the prepared tooth, while the replacement crown is being made.
• The impression of the crown is sent off to a dental technician for the replacement crown to made.
• Once received, the new crown is cemented or bonded onto the prepared tooth.

What are replacement crowns made of?

Replacement crowns may be made of porcelain, ceramic, gold or a combination of metals. Sometimes a porcelain crown can be fused to a metal base when the crown needs added strength, and a good appearance is required. This is called a porcelain bonded crown. Temporary crowns are made of acrylic.

Will the pared down tooth be sensitive until I receive my crown?

Is it uncomfortable or painful to have a crown made?

No. The procedure is not painful because a local anaesthetic is used before the preparation of the tooth and the taking of the impression. Pain relief is seldom necessary after the treatment, although sensitivity to hot and cold sometimes occurs after the crown has first been cemented, but this is normally temporary.

Will replacement crowns make me look good?

• Replacement crowns can restore and enhance the appearance of teeth and the smile.
• They are often used in cosmetic dentistry as part of the treatment. Replacement crowns can be made to look natural and to match the surrounding teeth.

How well will I be able to eat with a replacement crown?

• Eating with a replacement crown should be the same as with a natural tooth.

How successful are replacement crowns?

• Replacement crowns are very successful for restoring teeth.
• They are functional: chewing is comfortable and the same as with natural teeth.
• They are aesthetic, so they look natural and match the size, colour and shape of the other teeth.
• They are durable: they are known to last for up to forty years.

What role does the dental technician play?

• The dental technician plays an important part in the making of a crown. It takes skill and experience to fabricate a crown from the impression that the dentist provides. The crown must be very precise in its colour and dimensions.
• The impression that is received from the dentist is used to make a plaster or stone cast of the prepared tooth or teeth. The cast is a copy of the tooth or teeth.
• It allows the technician to make a crown over the exact copy of a prepared tooth.
• The technician will use the same shade/colour guide as the dentist, to ensure that the replacement crown will match the colour of the adjacent teeth.