A crown is used to entirely cover or “cap” a damaged tooth. Besides strengthening a damaged tooth, a crown can be used to improve its appearance, shape or alignment. A crown can also be placed on top of an implant to provide a tooth-like shape and structure for function. Porcelain or ceramic crowns can be matched to the colour of your natural teeth. Other materials include gold and metal alloys, acrylic and ceramic. The alloys are generally stronger than porcelain and may be recommended for back teeth. Porcelain bonded to a metal shell is often used because it is both strong and attractive.

• Replace a large filling when there is not enough tooth remaining
• Protect a weak tooth from fracturing
• Restore a fractured tooth
• Attach a bridge
• Cover a dental implant
• Cover a discoloured or poorly shaped tooth
• Cover a tooth that has had root canal treatment.

Bridges are commonly used to replace one or more missing teeth. Gaps left by missing teeth eventually cause the remaining teeth to rotate or shift into the empty spaces, resulting in a bad bite. The imbalance caused by missing teeth can also lead to gum disease and temporomandibular joint (TMJD) disorders.

Bridges are cemented to the natural teeth or implants surrounding the empty space. These teeth, called abutments, serve as anchors for the bridge. A replacement tooth, called a pontic, is attached to the crowns that cover the abutments. As with crowns, you have a choice of materials for bridges. Our dentist can help you decide which to use, based on the location of the missing tooth (or teeth), its function, aesthetic considerations and cost. Porcelain or ceramic bridges can be matched to the colour of your natural teeth.

Before either a crown or a bridge can be made, the tooth (or teeth) must be reduced in size so that the crown or bridge will fit over it properly. After reducing the tooth/teeth, our dentist will take an impression to provide an exact mould for the crown or bridge. If porcelain is to be used, your dentist will determine the correct shade for the crown or bridge to match the colour of your existing teeth.

Using this impression, a dental lab then makes your crown or bridge, in the material your dentist specifies. A temporary crown or bridge will be put in place to cover the prepared tooth/teeth while the permanent crown or bridge is being made. The temporary fitting is removed when the permanent crown or bridge is ready. Afterwards, the new crown or bridge is cemented over your prepared tooth or teeth.

While crowns and bridges can last for ten years or more, they do sometimes become loose or fall out. The most important step you can take to ensure the longevity of your crown or bridge is to practice good oral hygiene. A bridge can lose its support if the teeth or bone holding it in place are damaged by dental disease. Keep your gums and teeth healthy by brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and flossing daily. Also, see our dentist and hygienist regularly for check-ups and professional cleanings.

To prevent damage to your new crown or bridge, avoid chewing hard foods, ice or other hard objects.

At Orion’s Dental, we’re committed to offering high-quality services and care for your dental bridges and crowns treatment. Not only do we believe in safe treatments but also those that are made with your individual needs in mind.

Two or more visits are typically necessary to complete a treatment. The teeth that will serve as abutment teeth are prepared in a similar way to how crown-preparation teeth are prepared, but in parallel. You won't feel anything because this will be done while you’re under anaesthesia.