Crowns And Bridges in Wimbledon

Your teeth will remain healthy with proper brushing, flossing and routine checkups. However, if one or more teeth get damaged due to cracks, decay or trauma, your dentist may provide you with dental crown or bridge to fix your oral issues and prevent the new ones from surfacing in future.

Both crowns and bridges fit over the affected teeth and restore the shape and size of the teeth. These are fixed prosthetic devices that can be taken out at the time of eating and cleaning. Dental crowns and bridges are cemented on the existing teeth and can be removed only by the dentist.

How crowns work

Crown is mainly used to “cap” or cover a damaged tooth entirely. Other than strengthening your damaged tooth, it helps in improving the alignment, shape andappearance. A crown can be placed at the top of implant for providing a tooth-like structure and shape to function properly. Ceramic or porcelain crowns are matched with the colour of your natural teeth. Other materials include – metal alloys, acrylic, gold and ceramic. They are stronger when compared to porcelain and may be recommended for the back teeth.

Your dentist may suggest wearing a crown to:

• Replace large filling when you do not have sufficient teeth

• Protect a weak tooth from fracture

• Cover a poorly shaped or discolored tooth

• Attach a bridge

• Secure an implant

• Restore your fractured tooth

• Protect a tooth that had undergone root canal therapy

How bridges work

If you have one or more missing teeth, dental bridge is your suitable option. The gaps present between the missing teeth may cause other teeth to shift or rotate into empty space which, in turn, may lead to bad bite. The imbalance that occurs due to missing teeth can be the reason for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder and gum disease.

Bridges are cemented to your natural teeth that surround the vacant space. These teeth, known as abutments, act as an anchor for the bridge. A replacement tooth is attached to the crowns that cover the abutments.

Your dentist may help you to decide which should be used, depending on the location of your missing tooth (or teeth), its aesthetic considerations, functions and cost. Ceramic or porcelain bridges can be matched with the color of your natural teeth.

How long will crowns and bridges last?

Though crowns and bridges may last for a lifetime, they may become loose or fall out, at times. The essential step you should take is to check the durability of crown or bridge for improved oral hygiene. Dental bridge may lose its support if the bone or bone that is holding it in place gets damaged due to oral disease. Keep your teeth and gums healthy and strong by brushing twice with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily. Make sure to visit your dentist for routine checkups and professional cleanings.

It is advised to avoid chewing hard foods or ice for the time being in order to prevent any damage to the crowns or bridges.