Crowns
What is a dental crown?
Crowns, which are also referred to as ‘caps’, are the best way to repair teeth that have been chipped off, decomposed or have an overly large filling.
By placing a crown on a damaged tooth it provides the tooth with its natural shape and form whilst getting rid of any noticeable flaws.
What is the lifespan of a crown?
The lifeline of a crown depends on how well the crown is looked after. Similar to a natural tooth, the crown will require the same time and attention spent to maintain its hygiene.
It’s important you attend regular checkups and maintain a healthy diet to prevent the tooth from being damaged. Also it is vital to avoid bad habits that may cause drastic damage to the crown, such as biting of the finger nails, grinding of the teeth and the use of the teeth as a tool, e.g. to open bottles and lids.
The average lifespan of a crown is between 10-15 years, but it is really determined to how well it is looked after.
What are crowns made from?
There are a number of materials used in a crown and with the increase change in technology there are also different types of crown available:
Porcelain fused with precious metal: The vast majority of crowns are manufactured from porcelain that is fused with metal. The precious metal is the foundation of the crown and porcelain layers are then placed on above of it.
Porcelain & composite: crowns made of materials containing porcelain & composite resin can at times appear like the real thing. But in comparison with bonded metal crowns, these crowns are not as strong.
Glass: crowns made of glass seem extremely natural and are fixed on both anterior and posterior teeth.
Precious metal (palladium and gold): such crowns are extremely tough and durable, but are generally fixed towards the back of your mouth, where they normally are undetectable.
When is a crown needed?
- When the tooth has become weakened due to an extremely big filling
- To enhance the tooth’s appearance as the fillings have become stained.
- When a root canal treatment has been carried out and requires a crown to shield it
- When an accident has lead the tooth to become damaged
- After having a dental implant to replace a missing tooth.
- When a person grinds their teeth to the extent where to the tooth has been worn down drastically.
- For cosmetic purposes, to help improve a smile.
- For a fractured tooth where a typical composite bonding cannot help rebuild the tooth.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are one of the options to replace missing teeth. Dental bridges are very successful provided that the abutment teeth holding the bridge are in good health.
What are dental bridges?
Dental bridges are fixed to specially prepared teeth. These teeth are usually the teeth either end of a gap. They are made form the same materials as dental crowns. A dental bridge is used to bridge a gap (missing teeth) between healthy teeth. Teeth on either side of the gap are reshaped and reduced in size. These then act as anchors, or abutments. The dental bridge is attached to these anchor teeth - filling the missing tooth or teeth space.
Benefits of dental bridges
Dental bridges are very quick, easy and painless to do. They can stop teeth from drifting into gaps. They will improve function, bite, chewing, cosmetics and help filling out the face where you have lost teeth.
When is a bridge needed?
Dental bridges are a safe option to replace missing teeth when you do not wish a partial denture or dental implant.
How long do dental bridges last?
You need to look after dental bridges with the same level of care and attention as your natural teeth. Providing you maintain a good oral hygiene program, good diet and attend regular dental check-ups, a high quality dental bridge can last 10-15 years or longer.
For further information on Crowns and Bridges, please click here.
