Crowns and Bridges

What is a crown or bridge?

Crowns and bridges are restorations that cover or "cap" teeth to restore them to their normal shape and size, strengthening and improving the appearance of the teeth. Crowns are necessary when a tooth is generally broken down so much that a filling alone will not solve the problem. Bridges, which are basically multiple crowns fused together, are used to fill the space where one or two teeth are missing. If a tooth is cracked, a crown holds the tooth together to seal the cracks so the damage does not get worse. Crowns are also used to restore a tooth when there is not enough of the tooth remaining to provide support for a large filling, attach a bridge, protect weak teeth from fracturing, restore fractured teeth or cover badly shaped or discolored teeth.

How are crowns and bridges placed?

To prepare teeth for crowns or bridges, they are carefully reduced in size so the restoration can fit over them. An impression of the teeth and gums is made and sent to a lab for fabrication of the crown or bridge. While the permanent crown or bridge is being made, which usually takes 2 weeks, a temporary restoration is fitted over the tooth to protect it. During the second appointment, the temporary restoration is removed and the permanent crown or bridge is cemented onto the teeth.

What is the difference between a cap and a crown?

There is no difference between a cap and a crown, as they refer to the same treatment.

How long do crowns last?

Crowns and bridges will generally last a minimum of five to eight years. However, with good oral hygiene and supervision, many of our restorations will last much longer than this. Some damaging habits like grinding your teeth, chewing ice or other hard foods or fingernail biting may cause this period of time to decrease significantly.

How should I take care of my crown or bridge?

To prevent damage or fracture of the crown or bridge, avoid chewing hard foods, ice or other hard objects, such as pencils. You also want to avoid teeth grinding (a.k.a. bruxism). Besides returning to our office for regular check-ups and professional cleanings, brushing twice a day and cleaning between your teeth is vital with crowns and bridges. Floss or interdental cleaners (specially shaped brushes and sticks) are important tools to remove plaque from the area where the gum meets the tooth. Plaque left in this area over a period of time will cause dental decay, which is the biggest reason why crowns and bridges need to be replaced.

What if I do not replace a missing tooth (e.g., with a bridge)?

When you lose a tooth, the surrounding teeth can tilt or drift into the empty space. The teeth in the opposite jaw can also shift up or down in to this empty space. This can affect your bite and cause increased stress on your teeth and jaw joints.

Teeth that have tipped or drifted are harder to clean as well. This makes them more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease.

When a tooth is missing, the bone that once held it in place may shrink in size. This can change the way the jawbone supports the lips and cheeks. Over time, this can cause the face to sag and can make you look older.