Crowns and Bridges

hat is a Crown?

 A crown is a full coverage restoration that is placed over a single tooth. The crown is expertly milled by a specialist technician to exactly resemble your natural tooth in both appearance and colour.

What is a Bridge?

A bridge is used to hide a gap in your mouth, for example a missing tooth. The teeth either side of the gap are crowned and the technician will make a solid artificial tooth attached to the adjoining crowns. This artificial tooth will sit in the gap where your missing tooth once was. A bridge can replace upper or lower teeth and can replace one, three or five missing teeth! The aim of a bridge is to provide better aesthetics along with restoring functionality and your biting surface.

What are Crowns and Bridges made from?

Our crowns and bridges are made by a highly skilled specialist technician at a laboratory in Kingsbridge, Devon. They can be made from a variety of materials including ceramic, plastic and metal alloys such as gold. The strongest, most accurate and most aesthetically pleasing material that we always recommend for a crown or bridge is Zirconia.  Zirconia is the strongest substance available and can replicate a tooth in both colour and appearance perfectly. This choice of material gives you a durable and life like restoration.

What can I expect at a Crown or Bridge appointment?

Once you have undergone a clinical assessment along with dental x-rays and your suitability for a crown or bridge has been established, you will be given a detailed and thorough break down of costs.
Following this you will need two appointments spaced between 2-3 weeks apart. At the first appointment the dentist will gently numb up the area, prepare the tooth/teeth and take some impressions inside the mouth using a soft putty.  A detailed look at the whole mouth and the correct shade of the crown or bridge will be noted to ensure a perfect match.  You will then be provided with a custom made temporary crown or bridge to restore looks and functionality until your next appointment.
The technician will then get to work on milling your crown or bridge.  Your second appointment will take place once the technician has completed your crown or bridge (usually taking 2-3 weeks).  At your second shorter appointment the dentist will remove the temporary crown or bridge that he placed at your first appointment and try in your newly finished crown or bridge.  Once you and the dentist are both satisfied with the fit, look and feel of your new crown or bridge it will be cemented in place permanently using an extremely strong and durable dental cement.

How long will a Crown or Bridge last?

Crowns and bridges are made from inert materials which do not deteriorate over time.  However they are effected by the conditions of your gums and underlying tooth that can still develop tooth decay.  Therefore it is very important that you maintain regular Dental Examinations and Dental Hygienist appointments, along with ensuring good at home daily oral hygiene to help maximise the life of your crown or bridge.