PROSTHODONTICS

SERVICES

CROWNS AND BRIDGES

The team at All Smiles Dentist are well-versed and highly skilled in crowns and bridges. A crown, also known as a dental cap, is a (ceramic shell) fitted over the tooth to strengthen it, prevent further damage and improve the bite. A dental bridge is (made) up of (three) or more crowns and can be a replacement for multiple missing teeth as it can sit on either side of the gap, serving as an anchor for the false tooth which is put into the gap. Both crowns and bridges can improve the appearance and functionality of the smile.

Zirconia is the most common material used to make modern crowns and serves as the base material. It is ceramic, white in colour and provides long-lasting aesthetics. Metal, Porcelain fused to metal are two additional types of materials that can be used to make a dental crown. Dentists use ceramic bridges to blend in with your teeth but can create them in various materials, including gold. However, at All Smiles Dentist, we prefer zirconium and other ceramics for your front teeth.

Types of crowns:

  • Gold Crown (please change the order to list - Zirconia, Emax, Porcelain fused to metal as the first three as they are more common)
  • Metal crowns
  • Porcelain fused to Metal
  • Zirconia Crown (Zirconium Dioxide - Often using fused or layered porcelain for aesthetic effect)
  • E-Max Crown (Lithium Desilicated Ceramic)
  • Resin

Different types of bridges:

  • Traditional
  • Cantilever
  • Maryland
  • Implant-Supported

First visit

Your dentist at All Smiles Dentist will be able to evaluate whether a crown or bridge is needed after an initial consultation. You will be provided with an additional session date and time to have your tooth/teeth prepared.

Procedure:

  • Digital scans will be taken for your teeth as a reference point
  • An impression will be taken to provide you with a temporary crown/bridge after preparation is completed.
  • Tooth shade and photographs will be taken.
  • Gentle numbing of the involved teeth will commence
  • Preparation of the teeth will follow, and a second scan of the teeth will be taken
  • You are provided with a temporary bridge or crown that is cemented using a temporary cement

Second visit

Once the dental technician has completed creating your new crown, you will be scheduled for your next visit. Your temporary crown(s) or bridge will be fitted without cement. The fit and the comfort of your bite will be assessed. Once both the dentist and patient are satisfied, the prosthesis will be removed, cleaned and fitted with a permanent cement. Crowns and bridges have a life span of approximately 7-10 years.