A dental crown is used to completely cover a tooth that is damaged. It helps to strengthen the tooth but can also be used to improve its shape, appearance and alignment. Porcelain, a common dental crown material, can be matched to your teeths natural color, creating a flawless look. Other crown materials include metal alloys, ceramic and zirconia, and they are usually a better option for back teeth because they are stronger. Dr. Robertson prefers to use zirconium crowns because they are extraordinarily tough, require less tooth removal, and require almost no metal. They are also more natural with a pure white color.

Bridges are used in situations where teeth are missing. If missing teeth arent replaced, the adjacent teeth will eventually shift, which can lead to a bad bite. Missing teeth can also lead to gum disease and TMJ disorders developing.

A bridge fills in the space where teeth are missing. It can be attached either to the adjacent teeth using crowns or using dental implants. In terms of materials, the choice is varied, and it is a decision you will make after consulting with your dentist. The material used will be determined by the position of the missing teeth and will be based on price, function and aesthetics.

During the following visit, we will undertake crown and bridge preparation, which involves preparing the abutment teeththe adjacent teeth which will hold the bridge in place. This means we will reshape the teeth by removing some of the enamel so that we have room to place the crown on top of the teeth.

We will then make an impression of your teeth, which will be used as a guide to make the bridge, crowns and ponticthe false tooth that goes between the crowns. We will make a temporary bridge for you to wear until we can fit in the permanent bridge.

The second session will start with us removing the temporary bridge. We will fit in the new bridge and make the required adjustments to ensure it fits properly. You may have to come back several times to make sure that the bridge fits properly, which means we will use a temporary solution to keep it in place. After a few weeks, once you are happy that it fits well and your bite is comfortable, we will cement the crown or bridge into place.

It might take a while for you to get used to your new bite, which is why you should stick to eating soft foods until you get used to it. The good news is that a crown and bridge will make eating easier.

In terms of care, you need to keep the rest of your teeth as healthy as possible, which will determine how successful the bridge is. So, this means you need to brush at least twice a day and floss at least one per day. Using an antiseptic mouth wash will also do wonders to keep your teeth healthy.