Crowns
A crown is a very strong restoration that covers the surface and the sides of a tooth to surround it and support the remaining tooth’s structure. They look attractive and can be made for your front or back teeth.
Your dentist will recommend a crown when large cavities or large fillings that are failing have weakened the structure of the tooth. In this situation a regular filling may not last long because so much of the tooth has been lost.
Crowns are commonly recommended for Root canal treated teeth.
There are a number of excellent materials that a crown can be made from. Your dentist will guide you in helping you make the final decision on what would be best for your tooth.
While all recommendations, preparations and impressions are made by your dentist,the final fitted tooth crown is custom made by a local dental technician.
Bridges
Bridges are replacements for missing teeth that are cemented in place and are supported by the teeth adjacent to the gap.
A bridge, unlike a denture, provides a replacement tooth that stays in place.
While your dentist makes all recommendations, preparations and impressions, the resulting bridge is custom made by a local dental technician.
All bridges are unique but most commonly a missing tooth is replaced with a “3 unit bridge”. Here, the natural teeth on either side of the gap are crowned and connected to a replacement tooth that “bridges” the gap. Larger bridges can replace multiple missing teeth.
As we now use porcelain materials that can bond to your natural teeth, a bonded bridge may be an alternative option to restore your missing tooth. Here the bridge supporting the replacement tooth is fixed to and supported by the teeth adjacent to the gap via a bonded porcelain “wing” on the adjacent teeth instead of crowns as described above.
To provide you with an excellent result and an attractive long lasting smile, your dentist will recommend the bridge option that best meets your unique needs.
Implants
An implant is a mechanical, replacement tooth that looks like a tooth and acts like a tooth. It is an excellent option to replace a missing tooth.
Implants are long lasting. Just like teeth, they need to be well looked after to stay looking great.
There are two parts to having an implant custom made to replace your missing tooth.
1. Surgical : The implant fixture is placed into the bone of your jaw socket and given time to heal.
2. Restorative : A crown (tooth) is made and fitted on top of the implant fixture.
Maintaining the health of your implant will then become part of your regular dental visits.
What Option is Right for You?
Your dentist will assess your teeth at your consultation and discuss restorative options with you. Recommendations for Crowns, Bridges or Implants will be made based on the best restorative results for you. Book an appointment with us at any time.