Crowns and Bridges

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What are crowns and why are they used?


Crowns can:
  • Restore teeth when there isn’t enough tooth remaining to provide support for large fillings
  • Attach bridges
  • Protect weak teeth from fracturing
  • Restore fractured teeth
  • Cover badly shaped or discolored teeth
  • Cover dental implants

What exactly is a bridge or fixed partial denture and why do I need one?

A bridge (also called a fixed partial denture) is a restoration that replaces or spans the space where one or more teeth have been lost. A fixed bridge is bonded or cemented into place – only a dentist can remove it.


More important, though, your dental health may suffer when teeth are not replaced. Teeth work together. When a tooth is lost, the nearby teeth may tilt toward the empty space, or the teeth in the opposite jaw may shift up or down toward the space. This can alter your bite and place unusual stress on both the teeth and tissues in your mouth.

In addition, due to the increased stress, the gum tissues and the bone that hold teeth in place can break down from the resulting gum disease. Teeth that have tipped are difficult to clean, making them more likely to decay. As a result, even more teeth may eventually be lost.

Missing teeth can also affect the way you chew and speak. Chewing on one side only may cause stress in your mouth and jaw joints. You also need your teeth to speak properly, since they help you make many of the sounds needed in speech.

Which material is best?

Both the “look” and function of a crown or bridge are considered when choosing the materials most suitable for you. Your dentist will consider the teeth location, the position of the gum tissue, the amount of tooth that shows when you smile, the color or shade of the teeth, and function of the teeth.

Crowns and Bridges are made from a number of materials. Gold alloys or non-precious alloys, porcelain or ceramic, Zirconia, or combinations of these materials may be used. Full metal crowns are stronger but not aesthetically pleasing; porcelain crowns are not as strong as full metal crowns. Crowns made entirely of porcelain may look better, and they are stronger than they used to be, but still are not as strong as the other materials. In the process of making a crown, the material is colored to blend in with your natural teeth. It is important to consult with your dentist as to which crown materials are best for your specific situation.

How is a crown placed?


“Temporary” crowns are placed while the permanent crown is made. If the shapes or lengths of your teeth are changed for cosmetic purposes, temporary crowns will allow you to become accustomed to these changes. Temporary crowns can also help you decide if you like what you see or if there are any changes you would like made before the finished crowns are placed. When the finished crown is ready, the dentist puts it in place and makes necessary adjustments. To see how your crown will look, you can use a large mirror held at arms’ length in various types of lighting. When you and your dentist are satisfied with its appearance, the crown will be cemented in place.

How is a bridge placed?

A fixed bridge is commonly cemented to the natural teeth next to the space left by the missing teeth. A false tooth (called a pontic) replaces the lost tooth. A pontic is attached to a crown (restoration that covers a tooth). Crowns, which are cemented on natural teeth, serve as abutments that provide support for the bridge.

How do I take care of my crowns/ Bridge?

When you have crowns/bridge, it is especially important to brush twice a day and clean between your teeth daily with floss or other interdental cleaners. Brushing and flossing remove a sticky film of bacteria called plaque. Be sure to remove plaque from the area where the gum meets the tooth (the sulcus). When plaque accumulates in the sulcus, it can cause dental decay or gum disease. To prevent damaging or fracturing the crowns/bridge, avoid chewing hard foods, ice or other hard objects. It is also important to visit your dentist regularly.

What will the finished crown look like?

Your Dentists’ main goal is to create crowns that look like natural teeth and feel comfortable. To achieve this, a number of factors are considered. These include the color, occlusion or “bite,” shape and length of both your natural teeth and your artificial crown. Any one of these factors alone can significantly affect your appearance.
