Teeth are very durable. When healthy, they can handle everything from daily chewing to gradual wear and tear. However, when teeth become weakened, whether from decay, grinding, trauma, or aging, they may need some extra help to restore their strength and function. This can be achieved with dental crowns and bridges. At Garibaldi Crossing Dental, we offer custom crowns and bridges to bring back the confidence in your smile and the comfort in your everyday life.
How Does a Dental Crown Work?
Dental crowns are caps that fully encircle a tooth all the way down to the gumline. Typically reserved to treat a single tooth, crowns are used to prolong the life of a tooth that has suffered extensive damage or had a large filling placed. Crowns are usually made of gold, porcelain fused to metal, or other ceramic material (e.g., zirconia/ lithium disilicate) and are an excellent method to prevent further damage.
You may need a dental crown to:
- Replace a large filling
- Prevent a weak tooth from fracturing
- Restore a root canal-treated tooth
- Strengthen a cracked tooth
- Reinforce a broken or worn-down tooth
- Improve the appearance of a discoloured or misshapen tooth
- Attach a bridge
How Does a Dental Bridge Work?
A dental bridge is a great option for replacing one or more missing teeth. It consists of one or more pontics (false teeth) that are held in place by dental crowns on each side of the gap. These crowns are called abutments and act as anchors for the bridge, keeping it stable and in place.
When missing teeth leave empty spaces, the surrounding teeth may shift or rotate into the gaps, causing misalignment and a bad bite. This imbalance can cause conditions such as gum disease, jaw pain, and temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD), making professional intervention a must. Compared to dental crowns, bridges span the entire space between missing teeth, restoring the appearance and function of the whole row.
Getting a Crown or Bridge
The process of installing a dental crown or bridge takes place over two visits to our dental clinic. Here’s how we do it:
Firstly, we reshape the existing tooth to prepare it for the crown and/ or bridge.- Secondly, we take impressions of the tooth, which are sent to a dental lab and used to create a custom crown or bridge.
- Thirdly, we will help you select the right shade for your restoration, ensuring it blends seamlessly with your surrounding teeth.
- Fourthly, we protect any vulnerable teeth by placing a temporary crown or bridge while we wait for your custom restoration to be ready.
- Lastly, when your restoration is ready, we will book you in for your second appointment. Our dentists will remove your temporary restoration, check the fit of your custom crown or bridge, and then cement it securely into place.
At Garibaldi Crossing Dental, we take great care to create a comfortable, relaxing atmosphere for our patients. When you come in for your dental appointment, we will walk you through the process and check in consistently to ensure your peace of mind.
Call Us and Book Today
Are you struggling with a broken or decayed tooth? Would you like to restore your smile's function, appearance, and confidence? Our team at Garibaldi Crossing Dental would love to help you. When you come in for a consultation, our dentists will discuss your treatment options and help find the solution that you are most comfortable with. Call us today to book an appointment for a dental crown or bridge.
