Crowns and Bridges FAQ

Crowns

What are crowns made from?

These custom colour-matched restorations are usually finished in porcelain.  This material is chosen for its lifelike quality and lustre.  Depending on where the crown needs to be, we use a metal-based crown to improve its strength that has a porcelain layer over it. We also use other materials such as gold.

How do you fit a crown?

To fit a crown we will shape your tooth so that when the artificial crown is fitted it will be the same size as a normal tooth.

What is the difference between a Crown and a Bridge?

A crown completely covers the prepared tooth and is permanently cemented to it.  A bridge is a precision tooth replacement that is cemented to adjacent teeth to keep it in place.  A bridge is either cemented using thin, invisible tabs or has a crown fused to the replacement tooth at each end which is cemented over the prepared adjacent teeth.  

Bridges

What’s the main benefit of bridges?

Bridges mean there is no need for dentures!  Sometimes, however, a short-term temporary denture is advised if the tooth has been recently lost to allow healing to take place and the tissues to assume a stable shape.

What are dental bridges made from?

Bridges are made of metal and porcelain or sometimes just porcelain. They can last many years, if you keep them clean and if there is no accidental damage.

Are there times when a bridge is not suitable?

An alternative to a bridge is an implant or removable partial denture. We will explain the differences to you and recommend the most suitable option for you.

How are dental bridges made?

There are several stages in making a bridge. First we use a soft, mouldable material to take impressions of your mouth to make exact plaster models of your upper and lower teeth and gums, these show how your teeth bite together. We then prepare the teeth which will support the bridge. Another impression is taken of your mouth, which is used to make your bridge. A temporary plastic bridge or temporary crown may be fitted in the meantime. On your final visit we will check that your bridge fits properly, making any necessary minor adjustments and fixing it permanently in place. We will then show you the best way to keep your new bridge clean