Crowns and Bridges

Help restore the function of your teeth with a crown or bridge.

Crowns and bridges are used to restore your tooth to its natural function. They help to restore damaged teeth, that can be caused by ageing, an accident or from grinding or clenching your teeth.

Dental restoration is the repair of a missing or damaged tooth by direct or indirect methods. The aim of a dental restoration procedure is to restore a tooth to its natural size, shape, structural integrity and function. Two types of dental restorations include dental crowns and dental bridges.

What are crowns and what do they do?

Dental crowns are more extensive restorations than the humble filling. Unlike a filling, a crown covers an entire tooth above the gum line. A crown is essentially a tooth shaped cap that is permanently glued to the tooth structure and protects what is left of a natural tooth. It also prevents further damage and builds up the tooth to its rightful size and shape.

Not only do crowns have restorative functions, but they can be used to enhance the aesthetics of your smile. For instance, in some cases, a patient may have misshapen or badly damaged teeth. Multiple crowns can correct the appearance of this, and thus create a more visually pleasing smile.

What are the options for replacing a tooth?

What are the costs of replacing a tooth?

Crowns are practically a highly durable ‘shell’ which sits on top on your tooth. They are natural looking which help them to blend into your mouth and are custom-made to your unique specifications.

Crowns are also used for strengthening teeth after undergoing root canal treatment. The crown is designed and created to sit comfortably on top of your tooth and is then bonded. This forms a protective layer which helps to restore the tooth to its normal function.

What are bridges and what do they do?

A bridge is an effective way of replacing one or several missing or damaged teeth. This natural looking restoration is held in place by the surrounding teeth. The procedure and how they are placed is very similar to that of a crown.

Dental bridges literally bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth. A bridge is made up of multiple dental crowns, and instead of being used to cover a tooth, it is used to replace one or more missing teeth. Two or more crowns are placed on either side of the gap and a false tooth (or teeth) is placed in between. If adjacent teeth are missing, a bridge can be used to replace up to three or four teeth. By filling in the gaps of a smile by means of a dental bridge, not only is the patient’s smile restored, but also their diet. This is because filling in the gaps of missing teeth can help you with the ability to comfortably and adequately chew your food. Having a dental bridge can also distribute the forces in your bite properly by replacing missing teeth.

Bridges also prevent other teeth moving out of their position, and also help to keep your natural facial structure.

What can crowns and bridges help restore?

Rebuild your smile
Repair a damaged tooth
Replace missing teeth
Keep your smile aligned
Correct your bite