SPECIALISED DENTISTRY
Crowns, Bridges and Ceramic Restorations
Before

After



Ceramic Restorations
• In some cases a ceramic filling can be done instead of a crown.
• Depending on the amount of healthy tooth structure left, the missing part of the tooth will be replaced with either an inlay, onlay or overlay ( see picture below for explanation)
• The ceramic filling will be manufactured by a dental laboratory and will be cemented into your tooth.


Crowns
What are crowns and how do they work?
• A crown is used to entirely cover or "cap" a damaged tooth.
• A crown is cemented onto your own tooth structure and functions as your own teeth.
• Porcelain or ceramic crowns can be matched to the colour of your natural teeth.

When will a crown be recommended?
• To replace a large filling when there isn't enough tooth remaining.
• Protect a weak tooth from fracturing, thus strengthening the remaining tooth structure.
• Restore a fractured tooth
• Cover a discoloured or poorly shaped tooth, thus improving the appearance and alignment.
• Cover a tooth that had a root canal treatment. -Implant crown
Bridge

What are bridges and when will they be recommended?
• Bridges are commonly used to replace one or more missing teeth.
• Bridges are cemented onto the natural teeth or implants adjacent to the missing teeth.
• Porcelain or ceramic bridges can be matched to the colour of your natural teeth.
What are the consequences of not replacing missing teeth?
• Remaining teeth will rotate or shift into the space, making later restoration difficult.
• The bite will be unbalanced as the side without missing teeth will be favoured for function.
• The imbalance of missing teeth can also cause strain on the jaw(joint).
• Missing teeth are unaesthetic.
How are Crowns and Bridges Made?
• The tooth/teeth needing a crown or bridge will be prepared clinically, after which an impression will be taken and send to a dental laboratory.
• In between the two visits, the prepared tooth/teeth will be covered with a temporary crown or bridge.
• The laboratory manufactured crown or bridge will be cemented onto the prepared tooth/teeth during the second visit.
What is the lifespan of crowns and bridges?
• Crowns and bridges can last a lifetime.
• To ensure the longevity of your crown or bridge is to practice good oral hygiene.
• A bridge will be fixed in place as long as the supporting tooth structure is sound.
• Prevent damage to your crown or bridge by avoiding hard foods, ice or other hard objects.