Crowns
A crown may be required if your tooth has been damaged due to severe decay or trauma. A crown is a custom-made prosthetic tooth, usually made from porcelain. It is fitted over the site of the damaged tooth, restoring its functionality and appearance. Crowns will not only improve your smile, but also protect your tooth from any further damage.
The process
Initially, we will investigate the damage and then assess the type of crown you’ll need. We’ll then prepare your mouth to create the space and shape that the new crown will take up. This may sometimes, though certainly not always, require drilling your tooth.
We’ll then take impressions of your mouth and discuss the colour and appearance of your crown. This information will then be sent to a laboratory, where they will make the crown. In the meantime, we will put a temporary crown in place so that you don’t have a gap.
Once the crown is made we will fix it in position using a dental adhesive and then check your bite, correcting it if necessary.
Bridges
You may need a bridge if multiple teeth have been severely damaged due to decay or trauma. A bridge is comprised of multiple crowns linked to fit together, filling the space left by missing teeth.
The Process
This is very similar to the crown process. The problem teeth will be investigated, then the enamel will be cleaned and shaped to allow for the bridge. Impressions will be taken of your teeth which will be sent to a dental laboratory where a permanent bridge will be created, according to your colour and appearance preferences. In the meantime, a temporary bridge will be put into place to protect your gums and any exposed teeth.
Once the permanent bridge is ready, it will be fixed over the necessary area and your bite will be checked and corrected accordingly.
