Dentist in Hendon

Crowns and Bridges

Fixed Prosthetic Appliances

What are Dental Crowns and Bridges?

Most bridges and crowns are fixed prosthetic appliances. Crowns and bridges are affixed to natural teeth or dental implants and can only be removed by a dentist. This is in contrast to detachable appliances like dentures, which you can take out and clean on a regular basis.

How Do Crowns Work?

A damaged tooth is completely “capped” with a crown. A crown can be used to reinforce a tooth that is already weak and to enhance its appearance, shape, or alignment. To give an implant a tooth-like shape and structure for function, a crown can also be affixed to the top of the device. The color of your natural teeth can be matched with porcelain or ceramic crowns. Gold, metal alloys, acrylic, and ceramic are examples of additional materials. These alloys, which are often more durable than porcelain, may be suggested for rear teeth. Due of its strength and beauty, porcelain that has been fused to a metal shell is frequently employed.

Your dentist might advise getting a crown to:

  • Replace a large filling when there isn’t enough tooth remaining
  • Protect a weak tooth from fracturing
  • Restore a fractured tooth
  • Attach a bridge
  • Cover a dental implant
  • Cover a discolored or poorly shaped tooth
  • Cover a tooth that has had root canal treatment
How Do Bridges Work?

If you have one or more missing teeth, a bridge might be suggested. The remaining teeth progressively rotate or shift into the empty areas left by missing teeth, resulting in a poor bite. Gum disease and problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) might result from the imbalance brought on by missing teeth.

In order to replace one or more lost teeth, bridges are frequently employed. They cover the gap where the teeth were previously located. Bridges are fixed to the surrounding healthy teeth or dental implants. These teeth, referred to as abutments, act as the bridge’s anchors. The crowns that cover the abutments are connected to a replacement tooth, known as a pontic. You can choose the material for bridges, just like you do with crowns. A dentist can assist.

How are Dental Crowns and Bridges made?

The tooth (or teeth) must first be reduced in size so that the crown or bridge will fit over it adequately before either a crown or a bridge can be created. Your dentist will take an impression of the tooth or teeth after decreasing them in order to create a precise mold for the crown or bridge. Your dentist will choose the right shade for the crown or bridge if porcelain is to be used, so that it blends in with the color of your natural teeth.

Using this impression, a dental lab will create your crown or bridge using the material that has been recommended by your dentist. The prepared tooth will be covered with a temporary crown or bridge while the permanent crown or bridge is being created. the moment the permanent crown or bridge.

How long do Dental Crowns and Bridges last?

Although they might last a lifetime, crowns and bridges can occasionally become loose or fall out. Maintaining good oral hygiene is the most crucial measure you can take to maintain the durability of your crown or bridge. If the teeth or bone keeping a bridge in place are harmed by dental disease, the bridge may no longer be supported.

Brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and flossing once a day will keep your gums and teeth healthy. Additionally, schedule routine visits with your dentist and hygienist for examinations and expert cleanings.

Avoid chewing on ice, hard foods, or other hard objects to protect your new crown or bridge.

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