Artificial replacements can be found to repair an existing tooth (a crown) or replace it altogether (a bridge). At The Reef Dental Centre we will assess and recommend the right treatment for you based on an X-ray examination and dental history.
In most cases, at least two appointments are necessary for the preparation and fitting of a crown or bridge.
Crowns
A dental crown, also known as a cap, is a type of dental restoration that is used to restore the structural integrity of the tooth.
Crowns are a singular cover made of ceramic, gold alloy or both. They are custom-made to fit over the remaining portion of the natural tooth and are designed to look and function like a natural tooth.
Crowns may also be attached to a bridge to retain it on the adjacent natural dentition.
Bridges
Dental bridges are a fixed option for replacing teeth. Rather than removing a prosthesis (dentures) at night, a bridge is a fixed tooth replacement option that doesn’t get removed once fitted & bonded in place.
A bridge often replaces one or more missing teeth anchored to the adjacent natural teeth.
- Types of bridges include:
- Conventional multi-unit bridges – an indirect technique (made in a lab) utilising metal or zirconia framework with ceramic that can replace single or multiple missing teeth in a row. Bonds onto adjacent natural dentition at each end of the bridge.
- Cantilever bridge – an indirect technique (made in a lab) usually replaces one missing tooth suspended by 1-2 natural dentition.
- Resin-bonded Bridge – a direct technique (made chairside) utilises composite resin and mesh frameworks to adapt and bond to adjacent dentition
- Maryland Bridge – an indirect technique (made in a lab) utilises a metal framework and ceramic bonded onto adjacent dentition
If you require a bridge because one of your teeth has been knocked out, where possible, please bring the missing tooth with you to your appointment.
