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Dental crowns may be required for a variety of reasons, while dental bridges are recommended for patients who are missing one or more teeth. Understanding these treatments and their benefits is crucial to maintaining optimal oral health.
A dental crown may be necessary to cover a tooth for a variety of reasons, such as large cavities, extensive fillings, cracks, or root canal treatment. In addition to strengthening the tooth, a crown can also enhance its appearance, shape, and alignment.
If you are missing one or more teeth, a dental bridge may be recommended. This type of restoration involves cementing the bridge to the natural teeth adjacent to the gap. To determine whether dental implants or bridges are the right option for you, speak with our team to learn more about the benefits of each.
Dental crowns offer several benefits, including the ability to protect severely damaged teeth due to decay or large fillings, restore teeth with discoloration or irregularities, and help maintain your natural bite.
Replacing missing teeth with dental bridges can restore your ability to properly chew and speak while preventing remaining teeth from shifting out of position.
The lifespan of a dental crown or bridge varies depending on the level of wear and tear it receives, the quality of your oral hygiene practices, and personal habits like grinding or clenching teeth, biting nails, chewing ice, or using teeth to open packages. These habits can put additional stress on the crown or bridge, affecting its longevity. On average, dental crowns and bridges last between 5 and 15 years.
All-porcelain crowns and bridges are dental restorations that are made entirely of ceramic material, such as zirconia or lithium disilicate, without the use of metal alloys. They are highly esthetic and provide a more natural-looking appearance compared to traditional porcelain-fused-to-metal restorations. All-porcelain crowns and bridges are typically used for front teeth where esthetics are particularly important.
A bridge is quicker and avoids surgery, but the neighbouring teeth must be prepared to support it. An implant replaces the tooth independently and preserves bone, but needs healing time. Your dentist will recommend the option that fits your teeth, health and budget.
Clean under a bridge daily with floss threaders or interdental brushes, avoid chewing ice or hard sweets, and have the margins checked at every six-monthly review so decay cannot start at the edge of the crown.
The tooth is numbed with local anaesthetic before preparation, so you should feel pressure but not pain. Mild sensitivity for a few days after fitting is normal.
A plastic crown that protects the prepared tooth while the laboratory makes your permanent crown, usually for one to two weeks. Avoid sticky or hard foods on that side until the final crown is fitted.
No. Ceramic does not respond to whitening gel. If you plan to whiten, do it before the crown or bridge is made so the shade can be matched to your brighter teeth.
Clinical content reviewed by the Drs. Wong & Partners editorial team. Last reviewed . This page is general information and not a substitute for advice from your dentist.
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