Dental Bridges East Bentleigh
Dental Bridges
A crown (or cap) is a covering that encases the entire tooth surface, restoring it to its original shape and size. A crown protects and strengthens tooth structure that cannot be restored with fillings or other types of restorations.
Although there are several types of crowns, porcelain (tooth colored crown) are the most popular. They are highly durable and will last many years, but like most dental restorations, they may eventually need to be replaced. Porcelain crowns are made to match the shape, size, and color of your teeth, giving you a long-lasting, beautiful smile.
Reasons for crowns:
- Broken or fractured teeth.
- Cosmetic enhancement.
- Decayed teeth.
- Fractured fillings.
- Large fillings.
- Tooth has a root canal.
What does getting a crown involve?
A crown procedure usually requires two appointments. Your first appointment will include taking several highly accurate molds (or impressions) that will be used to create your custom crown. A mold will also be used to create a temporary crown which will stay on your tooth for approximately two weeks until your new crown is fabricated by a dental laboratory.
While the tooth is numb, the dentist will prepare the tooth by removing any decay and shaping the surface to properly fit the crown. Once these details are accomplished, your temporary crown will be placed with temporary cement and your bite will be checked to ensure you are biting properly.
At your second appointment your temporary crown will be removed, the tooth will be cleaned, and your new crown will be carefully placed to ensure the spacing and bite are accurate.
You will be given care instructions and encouraged to have regular dental visits to check your new crown.
Reasons for bridges:
- Rebuild a beautiful smile
- Pain-free eating
- Improve speech
- Prevent gum disease
- Prevent deterioration of the jawbone caused by missing teeth
- Prevent further shifting or loss of teeth due to gaps created from missing teeth
What does a bridge involve?
A bridge fills the space of one or more missing teeth by cementing the natural teeth or implants surrounding the empty space and serve as anchors for the bridge. Created from state-of-the-art materials, bridges are connected to artificial teeth that blend in with your own teeth to deliver a completely natural look.
The natural tooth is reduced in size so the bridge can be placed over it. An impression will be taken to provide an exact mould for the bridge. Using this impression, a dental lab will then make the bridge in the material requested by your dentist which is cemented over the prepared teeth. Porcelain or ceramic bridges can be matched to the colour of your natural teeth.