Crowns & Bridges
A crown is an artificial tooth that fits over top of a natural tooth or an implant. A bridge is used to fill in the gap created by one or more missing teeth, usually with an artificial tooth fused between two crowns. Unlike dentures, crowns and most bridges are permanently fixed into the mouth.
Crowns may be used in cases such as:
- Protecting a weak tooth from fracturing
- Covering a tooth that has had a root canal
- Replacing a filling when there isn't enough remaining tooth material
- Restoring a fractured tooth
- Covering a dental implant
- Attaching a bridge
Bridges are most often used to fill in gaps where one or more teeth are missing so that the teeth cannot shift and cause bite misalignment.
Crowns and bridges are custom-made by first filing down the tooth (or teeth) and then taking an impression using a mold. A lab then creates your custom replacement tooth (or teeth) using the material and colour that your dentist specifies. A temporary crown or bridge is put in place while the mold is sent to the lab. When your custom crown or bridge is ready, the dentist replaces the temporary one with the one made for you and cements it in place.
With proper care, crowns and bridges can last a lifetime. Daily dental hygiene is necessary, and it is recommended to avoid chewing hard foods to prevent damage to your crown or bridge. If you notice any damage to your crown or bridge, contact your dentist.