Ceramic Crowns & Bridges
Everything you need to know to give you one more good reason to smile
Our teeth are exposed to constant biting and chewing and occasional damage from dental decay. When there are too much damage to our natural teeth, there is the risk that they may fracture and removal of the tooth may be needed.
What are dental crowns and bridges?
To salvage a decayed, broken or loose tooth, a crown is a custom-made cap made of porcelain embedded onto the top of the tooth, based on the contours of a person's teeth and bite.
In the event of one or more missing teeth, a dentist would recommend getting a dental bridge, which is made of a couple of interlinked crowns that are gently placed on top of the affected tooth and the healthy teeth next to it.
What are dental crowns and bridges made of?
Crowns and bridges are made of oral safe, strong, and long-lasting materials such as ceramic, porcelain or metal to naturally blend in and give you a seamless smile. They also help retain the integrity of your original teeth and support your facial structure so you can eat and speak normally again.
What to expect when fitting a dental crown?
When it comes to restoring a broken or infected tooth, the dentist will proceed to polish the damage portion before scanning the mould of the tooth with an intra oral scanner.
With technology, it is possible to have the crown done on the day itself, eliminating the need to for a second visit and risk of temporary crown dislodging.
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DENTAL BRIDGE(S)
What happens when attaching dental bridges?
While a crown procedure involves capping a single tooth, a dental bridge is created in support of the adjacent teeth.
During the first visit for a dental bridge, the dentist will examine the health of the affected tooth and the strength of the adjoining teeth. In case the health of the gums or supporting teeth is compromised, the dentist may suggest a root canal or other appropriate dental procedures so a bridge can be fixed effectively.
As done in the crown procedure, during the dental bridge application, a local anesthetic will be administered followed by shaving down the size and shape of the affected tooth and its neighbouring teeth. A plaster-based dental impression will then be taken to create a bridge to fit the shape and texture of the atrophied teeth.
A stopgap dental bridge will be attached to the area to protect the adjoining teeth until your custom-made bridge is ready.
On your next visit, the temporary bridge will be taken out while the dental bridge prepared for your teeth will be fastened on permanently.
Dental crown or bridge after-care
Besides mild discomfort and sensitivity, patients can usually begin using their teeth within a couple of hours after the procedure. However, it is best to avoid food and drinks that are too hot or cold for about a week after.
With proper dental care from brushing and flossing to regular dental health checkups, your crowns and bridges should last about a decade or more. It may take you around a couple of days to a week to adapt to your crown or bridge but you can feel free to flaunt your new smile confidently.
