Dental Crowns & Bridges at Carlisle Dentist

Restore your damaged, broken or missing teeth

A crown is a cap that is placed over a tooth and held in place by dental adhesive or cement.

Crowns are used for several reasons:

As a protective cover for badly decayed teeth or fractured teeth
As a permanent restoration for teeth with large fillings
To correct minor problems in natural teeth like spacing and irregular shape or severe discolouration

What are crowns made from?

Crowns can be made from a variety of materials. They can be made from plastic, ceramic or metal alloys. A combination of metal and ceramic is also possible to maximise strength and simulate the appearance of natural teeth.

How are crowns made?

Firstly, a thorough clinical examination is conducted with radiographs, by the dentist. The suitability for crowns is assessed and any preparatory work is carried out. Your dentist will also be able to advise on material choices, treatment sequence and any other concerns you may have.

At the second appointment, the teeth to be crowned are prepared. This involves reduction of the tooth size (usually under local anaesthesia) followed by an impression or mould of the prepared tooth. This trimming of the tooth is required to create space for the crown to be fitted. The mould taken is then sent to a laboratory where skilled technicians will fabricate the crown. In the meantime, a temporary crown is made and fitted onto the trimmed tooth.

At the third appointment, the temporary crown is removed and the tooth surfaces cleaned. The completed crown is tried on the tooth for fit, harmony with the bite, and appearance. Finally, the crown is cemented onto the prepared tooth with dental cement.

How long do crowns last and how do I care for them?

Crowns are made of inert materials that do not deteriorate over time. However, the underlying tooth is still prone to decay and gum disease.

Ceramic on the surface may chip or fracture. Avoid chewing excessively-hard substances like ice or bones. Daily brushing and flossing are essential for maintaining good oral health as well as keeping the crown trouble-free. The most vulnerable portion of the crown is the margin or the junction between tooth and crown.

Regular check-ups will enable your dentist to detect any problems with your crown and recommend necessary treatment.

Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are an option for replacing missing teeth. They are porcelain teeth, which are attached to neighbouring teeth with the purpose of filling gaps. The false tooth is known as a pontic and the anchoring tooth is known as a retainer. There are different types of bridges and your case will be assessed on an individual basis. When deciding whether you are suitable for bridgework, it is important that the anchoring teeth are strong enough to support a bridge. Dental bridges can be attached to your own teeth or to dental implants.

When are dental bridges needed?

Bridges may be an option if you have one or more missing teeth. They are recommended for:

Improvement in appearance and your smile
Strengthen your bite
Alteration in speech
Improvement in facial appearance
Reduce probability of neighbouring teeth leaning into gap
Attachment to dental implants

What are the different types of bridge?

Fixed bridge: This is the most common type of bridge. A false pontic tooth is attached to a crown on an anchoring tooth. Fixed bridges vary in length depending on how many teeth are being replaced by the bridge.

Resin bonded bridge: This type of bridge may be used when the neighbouring teeth are healthy and minimises removal of sound tooth tissue. Resin bonded bridges are usually used to replace only one missing tooth. The false pontic tooth is attached to the neighbouring tooth with a wing of metal.

What are bridges made of?

Most bridges are made of porcelain fused to metal, which combine strength with excellent aesthetics. Alternative materials include all porcelain bridges or all metal.

How are bridges fitted?

The first appointment is required for preparation of the anchoring teeth. Teeth are prepared by trimming away enough area to accommodate the metal and porcelain of the new bridge. A mould is taken using putty material, which is sent to the laboratory for fabrication of the bridge. A temporary bridge is fitted until your second appointment, which is usually 1-2 weeks. The colour of your bridge can be selected using a shade guide. The definitive bridge is made in a specialised dental laboratory. At your second appointment the final bridge is cemented using a specific dental adhesive. The bite will be checked and minor adjustments made as necessary.

How long do dental bridges last?

You can expect a fixed bridge to last around 7-10 years but it does depend on strength of anchoring teeth, the bite and how long the bridge is. Resin bonded bridges do not last as long as they are only held in place by a wing of metal. The longevity of your bridge will be discussed on an individual basis.

How do I take care of my bridge?

It is important to brush and floss on a daily basis. Super floss can be used to clean underneath the bridge. In addition, a healthy and balanced diet is also important to prevent decay from developing under the bridge.