Crowns & Bridges
Dental crowns, also known as caps, are artificial restorations that fit over the remaining part of a prepared tooth, which makes it strong and gives it the shape of a natural tooth. Crowns are ideal for restoring a broken tooth, or weakened teeth as a result of large fillings. They can also be used to hold a bridge or denture in place, protect and cover root filled teeth and also to improve the appearance of your teeth.
Crowns can be made from a variety of materials, with some of the most popular types being porcelain crowns, ceramic crowns and gold alloy crowns. Your dentist will discuss the suitable crown for you and explain in detail what will be involved and how long it may take.
Dental bridges are an alternative to partial dentures. They are made by putting crowns on the teeth either side of the space and then joining these two crowns together by placing false teeth in the middle. Bridges are suitable if a patient has strong teeth and bones to support the bridge. Again, as with crowns, your dentist will discuss what is suitable for you and give you options to help you make an informed choice.
Some of the benefits of crowns and bridges include:
- Protecting your teeth against further decay or erosion
- Crowns protect root filled teeth and prevent them from reinfection
- They can help hide badly chipped or unsightly front teeth
- They both help in enhancing smile