Dental Dialogues – Crowns & Bridges Might Not Have You Thinking Teeth But We Assure You They’re Related!

If you’re not a Dentist, the first thing that comes to mind when you read the word “crown” might be an expensive, bejewelled headpiece. That’s understandable and while we mean something entirely different, they ARE kind of related! A dental crown is used to cap (or cover) a tooth much as a royal crown is mean to be worn like a cap on the head of royalty. Mind you, that’s a pretty impressive “cap!” Now when it comes to bridges – it’s very much the same idea. Bridges provide support and span the gap between two places (typically over a body of water) much as a dental bridge helps span the gap and provide support between existing teeth, particularly when more than one tooth between them is missing. As you may have guessed, our topic for today’s blog is all about crowns and bridges and understanding the difference between them and the important functions they serve – in the mouth that is!

Crowns

Much like a crown is similar to a cap worn on your head, so too is a dental crown placed, like a cap, over an existing tooth. A crown might be suggested by the team at Eglinton Square Dental Centre when you have a tooth that is damaged beyond repair or one in which you are experiencing extensive decay. As well, they can also be used to cover dental implants, often chosen as a treatment option for when a patient is actually missing a tooth. This means a crown can act as a repair or a replacement! Most often, a crown is used to help a damaged tooth maintain its overall shape and appearance and both its strength and size. You may have seen some celebrities sporting a gold tooth (or teeth) and sometimes these are crowns they have specifically had made in this expensive material not just because it’s durable but also because it will get noticed. In fact, gold and other metal alloys are used for crowns more often than you might think. Generally, however, most folks prefer a crown that attracts a little less attention – in other words, something that more closely matches your existing teeth. Crowns are more typically made from porcelain, acrylic or ceramic each of which are quite durable and with “normal” use and good oral hygiene, should last you quite a long time, even a lifetime. As for the process of having a crown installed, you should know that crowns will require several trips to the Dentist. The process may first involve having the underlying decay or damage repaired, perhaps even requiring treatments such as a root canal. After a period of waiting to ensure good healing has taken place, the Eglinton Square dental team will make an impression of your “bite,” giving us a true model of what your teeth and mouth look like. From this, your actual crown will be made, helping to ensure that it truly resembles existing teeth and also fits appropriately. Then a follow-up appointment is made to have your crown placed. As we briefly alluded to earlier, crowns are also used to cover dental implants – but that’s a blog for another day!

Bridges

A bridge is something a little different. It is used when patients are missing several teeth and as an alternative to dentures. Not everyone is comfortable with the idea, fit or feel of dentures and if that’s the case, a bridge makes a good alternative. Bridges involve having two crowns placed, much like bridge supports, at either end of the gap created from your missing teeth. These crowns act as the “anchors” for the bridge of replacement teeth that will then rest naturally and comfortably along the gum line. The process for creating a bridge is quite similar to that of having a crown made and like crowns, you can choose the material you wish to have the replacement teeth made from. Once again, with good oral hygiene and regular checkups, there is every opportunity for your bridge to last you a lifetime.

Eglinton Square Dental Centre has been committed to your oral health care for over 30 years now. In some cases, we’ve looked after generations of the same family. We know and understand teeth and we’re here to answer any questions you might have about your oral health care. Together, we’ll help you to make an informed decision about any dental work you need, including crowns or bridges. Now, as to whether you choose to wear a cap or a crown on your head – that’s entirely up to you and here’s the good news, you won’t need to cross any bridges to find us – we’re conveniently located in the Eglinton Square Shopping Centre!

We’re Eglinton Square Dental Centre, the perfect combination of innovation and experience.