CROWNS & BRIDGES
The experience you can count on.
Here at Pearl Radiance Dental Studio, we practice some of the most innovative restorative procedures in modern dentistry. Our crowns and dental bridges are made from lifelike porcelain milled by computer control to fit perfectly and look indistinguishable from your natural teeth.
What is a crown?
A crown is manufactured tooth made of porcelain that will cover your teeth like a helmet to provide maximum protection. Crowns are often crucial in increasing the life and function of a structurally damaged tooth. They are frequently the best treatment option available for badly broken, heavily restored, cracked or root canal treated teeth. In addition to this, they can be used as a dental bridge to close gaps left by missing teeth, improving both cosmetics and function of teeth.
What is a bridge?
Once a tooth is lost, it can negatively affect the surrounding teeth by removing the support and stability of the previous tooth. Over time, the adjacent teeth will shift, and this may gradually change your facial appearance.
Dental bridges are designed to fill the gaps left behind by missing teeth. The two adjacent teeth will be shaped to allow a crown to fit and a scan will be taken of your prepared teeth. A bridge will be manufactured which consists of two crowns holding a tooth to replace the gap. Once the bridge is cemented into position, it looks and works just like natural teeth.
When do I need a crown?
A crown may be necessary when:
- A tooth is fractured or damaged
- Too much decay has weakened a tooth
- A tooth is severely discoloured
- A tooth is misshapen
- A dental bridge needs an anchor
How long can a crown last?
A crown can last between 7 and 15+ years if it looked after correctly. Once your crown or bridge is fitted, it’s important to maintain a regular and effective routine of oral hygiene. Brush and floss two to three times a day, taking extra care to floss around your crown. This will help avoid decay where the crown and the tooth join. Avoid sticky foods such as toffee and lollies, and do not use your teeth inappropriately – chewing pens, crunching ice, gnawing fingernails, etc.
A dental floss threader, which looks like a small bendy brush, can be used to clean under your bridge. Additionally, interproximal brushes are affective in cleaning under and around bridges.
When maintaining your crown, the most important thing is to regularly visit your dentist for a check-up and clean. This way problems can be detected early, allowing them to be corrected before they become painful and expensive.