Crowns and Bridges
Trauma, decay or root canal treatment may severely weaken a tooth. Well-constructed and maintained crowns and bridges can be some of the most durable and aesthetic dental restorations, providing long-lasting functional and aesthetic benefits.
A dental crown is a fixed restoration that covers the entire tooth. It is bonded over the prepared tooth to replace missing tooth structure, prevent further damage, and restore function and aesthetics.What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that is used to replace one or more missing teeth with an artificial tooth (pontic). There are two main types of dental bridges:
A conventional dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth with a pontic that is connected by crowns attached to adjacent teeth (one on each side of the missing tooth/teeth)
A resin bonded bridge replaces a single missing tooth by attaching onto the adjacent tooth or teeth via a bonded metal or ceramic wing-retainer. The resin bonded bridge only requires minimal tooth structure preparation on the adjacent tooth/teeth, which makes it more conservative than the conventional dental bridge. Its limitation lies in the ability of the bonded wing-retainer to withstand the forces of eating, clenching and grinding. Dr Daniel Tan will assess the integrity and surface area of the tooth/teeth adjacent to the missing tooth and analyse your bite patterns (occlusion) to determine whether this treatment is suitable for you.
When do I need a dental crown?
A dental crown is a full coverage restoration that covers the tooth above the gum line. It may be used independently as a single tooth restoration or as part of a dental bridge. The purpose of a crown is to reinforce the strength of a tooth and to improve its appearance.
Crowns are a versatile restorative treatment option for a wide range of dental issues. These include:
- Cracked, damaged or worn teeth
- Decayed or fractured teeth with insufficient sound tooth structure remaining to support a conventional filling
- Weak or compromised teeth (i.e. from multiple fillings in the same tooth or large fillings at risk of fracture
- Restoration after endodontic treatment (Root Canal Treatment)
- Discoloured or misshapen teeth that lacks the structural integrity for a veneer or cosmetic filling
- Cosmetic enhancement
- To help retain a dental bridge
What types of dental crowns are available?
Crowns and bridges are fabricated in the dental laboratory which allows much stronger and durable materials to be used compared to a dental filling. By working with our local dental laboratory, we ensure that you are presented with a crown or bridge that has been made to the highest standards. Crown and bridges are usually made of ceramic, metal alloys, or a combination of these materials. The benefits of some of the different types of dental crowns are discussed below.
Ceramic crowns (Porcelain, Zirconia, e-Max)
Ceramic crowns provide superior aesthetic benefits making it a great choice for highly visible areas such as the front teeth. These crowns are individually made to complement your natural teeth or even improve the colour of your teeth utilising variable cosmetic properties such as lustre, translucency, iridescence and fluorescence.
Metal-ceramic or Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM)
Metal-ceramic (PFM) restorations consist of an outer shell that is made of porcelain. The porcelain shell is reinforced by a high noble metal layer that provides strength and structural stability. The result is a robust, yet aesthetically pleasing crown, with a strong substructure.
Gold crowns (Metal alloy)
Gold crowns provide unmatched strength and durability. These crowns are typically used to restore less visible teeth such as the back molars, which require greater strength due to the forces exerted during eating, clenching and grinding.
Other Prosthodontic Therapy Procedures
Porcelain Veneers
Transform the appearance of your smile with dental veneers. Our veneers are personalised to meet your cosmetic and aesthetic desires while delivering long-lasting and functional results.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is a safe way to brighten your smile and boost your confidence. It is a quick, easy and inexpensive solution to improve the appearance of your teeth.
Inlays and Onlays
Dental inlays and onlays are durable partial coverage restorations that are bonded over the prepared tooth surface to restore the tooth’s form, function and aesthetics.
Crowns and Bridges
Full Mouth Reconstruction
Full mouth reconstruction refers to restoring and/or replacing all of the teeth in a patient’s mouth – while carefully considering the smile, bite, speech, facial support, jaw joint health and longevity of the result.
Dental Implants
Implants replace the roots of missing teeth and integrates with your jawbone to provide a firm foundation to support single crowns, large bridges, and dentures.
Dentures
Dentures are removable protheses with artificial teeth and flanges that are used to replace missing teeth, receded gums and resorbed bone (soft and hard tissues).
Bruxism - Teeth Clenching and Biting
Teeth clenching and grinding, also called bruxism, causes excessive wear and damage to the teeth, resulting in cracks and can lead to facial and jaw muscle pain.
