Crowns

A crown is the strongest tooth restoration. They may be used to cover a tooth to restore it to its normal shape and size. A crown can make your tooth stronger and improve its overall appearance.

A crown is often recommended for one of the following reasons:

• To protect a weak tooth from breaking or restore one that is already broken, has large fillings or destroyed by decay.

• As part of an attachment of a bridge.

• A crown is a good way to cover teeth that are discoloured or badly shaped.

• Crowns are also used to complete dental implants.

Crowns can be made from a variety of materials. They may be made from porcelain for superior aesthetics, or porcelain fused to metal for aesthetics and strength, or even gold for maximal durability. Which type of crown is appropriate depends on the patient. The porcelain crowns will be matched to the shade of existing teeth. If you are not happy with the current colour of your teeth and if you are an appropriate candidate for tooth whitening, this procedure will be done prior to having the permanent crown made.

Bridges

In the case where there has been a tooth lost then a replacement tooth can be attached to two crowns, which are then attached to adjacent teeth. As the open space is bridged together, this is called a Bridge. This is an ideal way to replace a missing tooth and to restore full function and aesthetics. Bridges can also be used to replace multiple missing teeth.