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Crown, Bridge, Veneers and Implants
CROWN
Crowns are a type of dental restoration which, often referred to as a “cap”, when cemented into place, fully covers that portion of a tooth which lies at and above the gum line. In comparison, composite fillings/inlays/onlays are dental restorations that are used to fill in or cover over just a portion of a tooth. Since dental crowns encase the entire visible aspect of a tooth, a dental crown in effect becomes the tooth's new outer surface.
Crowns are used to rebuild broken or decayed teeth, to strengthen teeth, and as a means by which to enhance the cosmetic appearance of teeth. It is prepared by your dentist, and requires more than one visit to complete.
A crown can be made of metal, porcelain, or porcelain bonded to metal. All-porcelain crowns look more like your natural teeth, and therefore are usually used for front teeth, while porcelain bonded to metal is stronger and better for crowns in the back of the mouth. Sometimes all-metal crowns are used for back teeth because of the metal’s strength.
To prepare your tooth for a crown, the tooth is first frozen with anesthesia, and then filed down so the cap can fit over it. An impression of the teeth and gums is made, and a temporary cap is fit over the tooth until the permanent crown is ready.
On your next visit, the dentist will remove the temporary cap and cement the crown onto the tooth. The crown will closely match the colour and shape of your natural teeth.
BRIDGE
Dental bridges literally bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth. A bridge is made up of two crowns one on each tooth on either side of the gap -- these two anchoring teeth are called abutment teeth -- and a false tooth/teeth in between.
In this procedure, each abutment is prepared to receive full crowns or caps. When completed, the bridge is cemented into position over the supporting abutments.
To prepare your tooth for a crown, the tooth is first frozen with anesthesia, and then filed down so the cap can fit over it. An impression of the teeth and gums is made, and a temporary cap is fitted over the tooth until the permanent crown is ready.
On your next visit, the dentist will remove the temporary cap and cement the crown onto the tooth. The crown will closely match the colour and shape of your natural teeth.
IMPLANT
Do you have a missing tooth or teeth? Do you have dentures that are loose and affect the way you smile or eat? Dental implants are an excellent and ideal approach to replacing a single missing tooth or multiple missing teeth. Dental Implants look, feel and function like natural teeth. They are anchored into the jawbone just like the roots of your natural teeth.
A dental implant is done in two stages. There is the surgical component which involves placing a titanium post into the bone. The surgery is done with local anaesthetic (freezing) and there is little or no post-operative discomfort. In the case of replacing a single tooth, in the second phase the dentist would place a crown on the implant after a 4 month healing time. In the case of multiple missing teeth it may involve a fixed denture being placed. Two or three strategically placed implants can be used to stabilize a complete denture.
In one survey, patients who had their ill-fitting complete or partial dentures replaced with implants rated them nine out of ten – second only to natural teeth. If you are worrying about your age…don’t! Dental Implants can be placed from age 20 to 90!
After a thorough consultation, a dentist can help you decide if implants are right for you by reviewing your medical history, examining you oral tissues and by taking impressions and radiographs. Implants can often need bone grafting prior to placing the implant. If your dental evaluation shows that you are a good candidate for the implant procedure, you may look forward to smiling with comfort and confidence again!
VENEER
A conservative procedure usually requiring minimal anesthesia, veneers are an excellent option to improve the appearance of front teeth. These extremely thin shells of either composite resin filling material, or the more durable ceramic (porcelain), are bonded to the teeth.
Whether enhancing tooth color or shape, masking discolorations, closing moderate spaces, or straightening out minor crowding, veneers can be an excellent alternative to full crowns to create pleasing and esthetic smiles. They have the added advantage of requiring less tooth preparation than full crowns.
Cases involving front teeth with deep staining (eg. discoloration of teeth due to exposure to the antibiotic tetracycline- in utero or in infancy), older discolored fillings, damage due to injury or wear, or unattractive gaps or minor crowding of front teeth may only require a few appointments to achieve pleasing cosmetic results that last for years.