Crown And Bridge

Crowns are caps designed to sit over your entire tooth, preventing heavily filled or cracked teeth from fracturing. They can be made from white porcelain (ceramic), metal or a combination of both. They are cemented permanently to your teeth and restore function and aesthetics. Our dentists will usually recommended a crown in certain cases such as:

• To protect a root canal tooth as these teeth are more brittle and weak and to help seal bacteria from entering the tooth and possibly causing reinfection
• Teeth that have large fillings and are in a position where biting forces are at risk of further damaging the tooth
• Discoloured front teeth where whitening or veneers cannot correct, crowns can be made a specific color and shape to improve the appearance of your smile and aesthetics
• Teeth that have had trauma from sports or injury

Crowns at Emerald Dental Care are strong, durable and long-lasting. With the adequate care and six monthly maintenance, the dental crown can last many years.

Dental bridges are used to restore missing teeth in between two healthy teeth, essentially “bridging” the gap. The teeth on either side of the space are prepared for crowns, and are joined together with artificial teeth to fill the gap. Dental bridges are permanently cemented on and are a popular alternative to removable dentures.

Crowns and bridgework typically takes two appointments. At the first appointment, we will prepare the required teeth to allow space for the crown or bridge. Impressions will be taken and sent to a dental laboratory where the crown or bridge is fabricated to fit your teeth perfectly. You will leave with a temporary restoration until the second appointment, where this will be removed and the crown or bridge cemented on permanently.

It is most important to restore missing teeth, not only for appearances, but for function and overall dental health. Your teeth are designed to work together, for eating and speaking. Missing teeth can cause unusual stresses on your remaining teeth, increasing your chance of teeth fracturing and gum disease. They can also affect speech as well as having detrimental effects on lip and cheek support, resulting in a more sunken appearance. Additionally, spaces created by missing teeth can result in drifting and rotation of surrounding teeth, potentially causing decay, gum disease and bite problems.

Dental bridges come in many types. At Emerald Dental Care we are proud to offer the different options available. This will allow our dentists to discuss with you the treatment alternatives that are specific to your mouth, as well as your desired outcome. The different types of bridges include:

• Traditional dental bridge: The teeth on either side of the space are prepared for crowns, and are joined together with artificial teeth to fill the gap.
• Cantilever bridge: Similar to the traditional dental bridge, except the artificial tooth is only fixed to a crown on one side only. Because of this, it is slightly weaker than the traditional bridge.
• Maryland bridge: This option is ideal for missing front teeth, where the artificial tooth is secured against the adjacent teeth with a metal wing

Implant-supported bridge: Similar to the traditional dental bridge, except the bridge is secured and fixed onto implants instead of natural teeth.

• Restores function and smile
• Prevents a sunken appearance
• Helps distribute the biting forces evenly to prevent unnecessary stress and fractures of natural teeth
• Dental bridges are permanently fixed and cemented in the mouth
• Prevents surrounding teeth from rotating and drifting into the gap
• No need for surgery