SPECIALISED DENTISTRY

Crowns, Bridges and Ceramic Restorations

Before

After

Ceramic Restorations

• In some cases a ceramic filling can be done instead of a crown.

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• 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.

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• 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.

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• Protect a weak tooth from fracturing, thus strengthening the remaining tooth structure.

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• 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.

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•  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.

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•  To ensure the longevity of your crown or bridge is to practice good oral hygiene.

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•  A bridge will be fixed in place as long as the supporting tooth structure is sound.

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•  Prevent damage to your crown or bridge by avoiding hard foods, ice or other hard           objects.