What Are Dental Crowns and Bridges?
- Dental Crowns: A crown is a custom-made cap placed over a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its strength, function, and appearance. Crowns are commonly used to protect teeth after a root canal, repair large fillings, or strengthen cracked or fractured teeth.
- Dental Bridges: A bridge is designed to replace one or more missing teeth. Anchored by crowns on adjacent teeth or supported by dental implants, bridges “bridge the gap” to restore both the function and aesthetics of your smile.
Benefits of Crowns and Bridges
- Enhanced Strength: Crowns reinforce damaged teeth, allowing them to withstand everyday use.
- Restored Functionality: Bridges restore your ability to chew and speak naturally by filling gaps caused by missing teeth.
- Natural Appearance: Crafted with precision, crowns and bridges are designed to match the colour and shape of your natural teeth.
- Durability: With proper care, crowns and bridges are long-lasting options that support oral health for years to come.
- Preventive Care: Bridges help maintain alignment by preventing adjacent teeth from shifting into empty spaces.
Step-by-Step Procedure
Consultation and Assessment
We assess your dental needs and recommend the most suitable option, whether a crown or a bridge.
Tooth Preparation
Impressions
Temporary Restoration
Crafting the Restoration
Placement and Final Adjustments
Smile Gallery
There are hundreds of languages in the world, but a smile speaks them all.
Explore our gallery of before-and-after results and see how we craft unique, naturally healthy smiles using a premium, patient-first approach.
Timeframe Between Photos: 2 - 6 Weeks
Timeframe Between Photos: Veneers: 2 - 6 Weeks & Orthodontics: 3 - 24 Months
Warning:Â The 'before' and 'after' images shown are of a real patient of our clinic. These images are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the results that all patients can expect. Results vary depending on individual circumstances, and all surgical and cosmetic procedures carry risks.
Warning: The 'before' and 'after' images shown are of a real patient of our clinic. These images are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the results that all patients can expect. Results vary depending on individual circumstances, and all surgical and cosmetic procedures carry risks.
Risks & Recovery
Crowns and bridges restore damaged or missing teeth, but like any restorative treatment, they come with risks and recovery considerations.
Possible risks include:
- Temporary sensitivity to hot or cold after placement
- Gum irritation around the treated area
- Risk of fracture or loosening of the crown or bridge under excessive force
- In some cases, further treatment such as root canal therapy may be required if the underlying tooth becomes compromised
Recovery considerations:
- Many patients resume normal activities immediately after treatment
- Mild sensitivity usually improves within a few days
- Avoiding very hard or sticky foods at first can help protect the new restoration
- Regular reviews and good oral hygiene are important to maintain long-term function
Curious About Our Services?
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do crowns and bridges last?
With proper care, dental crowns and bridges can last 10-15 years or more. Longevity depends on several factors, including your oral hygiene routine, dietary habits, and the material used for the restoration.
Brushing and flossing daily, particularly around the margins of the crowns and bridges, is essential to prevent decay or gum disease. Additionally, attending regular dental check-ups allows us to monitor the condition of the restoration and address any early signs of wear or damage. Avoiding habits like chewing on hard objects or using your teeth as tools can also help prolong their lifespan.
Are crowns and bridges noticeable?
No, crowns and bridges are crafted to blend naturally with your natural teeth. We use high-quality materials like porcelain or ceramic, which mimic the translucency and colour of enamel. This ensures a natural-looking result that complements your natural teeth.
Additionally, advanced digital imaging and customisation ensure that the shape and size of the restoration complement the rest of your smile. Whether it’s a single crown or a multi-tooth bridge, we take care to ensure the final restoration looks and feels natural.
What happens if a tooth supporting a bridge is damaged?
If a supporting tooth becomes damaged or decayed, it can compromise the stability of the entire bridge. In such cases, we assess the underlying issue and recommend an appropriate option, which may include repairing or replacing the damaged tooth.
Regular dental visits are crucial to catching potential problems early, as they allow us to monitor the health of the teeth and gums surrounding your bridge. In some cases, implant-supported bridges may be a more suitable option for long-term stability, as they eliminate the need for reliance on adjacent natural teeth.
Can a crown or bridge fail?
Crowns and bridges are long-lasting, but they may chip, loosen, or develop decay at the margins. Regular check-ups and good oral hygiene are essential to protect them.
