Crowns and Bridges

Who Need Tooth Crowns?

There are a number of conditions that would require a tooth crown. One of the most common ones is after losing a tooth or having root canal treatment, a crown is used to sit on top of the newly inserted artificial root and completes a replacement artificial tooth. A chipped or cracked tooth also requires a crown, the crown will cover the missing section of a tooth and provide extra strength to prevent further damage. Other reasons include replacing a filling when there is more filling than tooth, covering over a discoloured tooth, or to enable inserting a bridge.

Do I Need Tooth Crowns?

There are two major benefits from tooth crowns, dental health and cosmetic appearance. If you have damage to your back teeth you will require a crown to help prevent further damage, if a chipped or cracked tooth is left without repair, it is likely to sustain further damage and is susceptible to decay in the cavities left by the damage.

Unlike your back teeth, when chewing your front teeth are not usually strained with large amounts of pressure, but are the ones that are used in your smile. Therefore chips, cracks or root canal can look rather unsightly on your front teeth. Usually crowns are used on front teeth to make that smile on your face as complete as it can be. Hence, front crowns should always be colour matched to your other teeth.

What are Bridges?

Bridges are a replacement tooth used when there is no tooth or root remaining; they are able to be used if the neighbouring teeth are still in place. They then “bridge” the gap between the two existing teeth.

Bridges are used to prevent the other teeth from moving which can lead to further complications such as a bad bite. They also protect the gums from damage and decay where the missing tooth would have been. A bridge is needed if a tooth is to be removed completely, and the surrounding teeth are able to stay.

What is the Difference Between a Crown and a Bridge?

A crown is a cap on a remaining damaged tooth, a bridge is used to fill a gap where there is no remaining tooth.

More Information about Crowns and Bridges

How long will a tooth crown last?

Most crowns these days are made with materials that are at least as strong, if not stronger, than natural tooth structure. For this reason, most crowns can last longer than natural teeth.

How long should a zirconia crown last?

If you have full-zirconia crowns, they are the strongest non-metal crowns available in dentistry today, not necessarily the prettiest though. I should say they are the hardest crown material available, though not unbreakable.