Dental Crowns and Bridges: Restoring Your Smile's Form and Function
When teeth are damaged, decayed, or missing, dental crowns and bridges offer reliable solutions that restore both appearance and function. At Finch & Dudley Dental in North York, we use these time-tested restorations to help patients regain their confident smiles.
Understanding Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers the entire visible portion of a tooth. Think of it as a protective helmet for a weakened or damaged tooth.
When You Might Need a Crown
Crowns are recommended in several situations:
- After root canal treatment: The treated tooth becomes brittle and needs protection
- Large cavities: When too much tooth structure is lost for a filling to hold
- Cracked or fractured teeth: To hold the tooth together and prevent further damage
- Worn teeth: Due to grinding or acid erosion
- Cosmetic purposes: To improve the appearance of misshapen or severely discolored teeth
- Dental implant restoration: Crowns attach to implants to replace missing teeth
Types of Crown Materials
We offer several crown materials, each with advantages:
Porcelain/Ceramic: Excellent aesthetics matching natural tooth color. Ideal for front teeth.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal: Combines the strength of metal with the appearance of porcelain. Good for back teeth requiring both durability and aesthetics.
Gold Alloy: Extremely durable and gentle on opposing teeth. Some patients prefer the distinctive look.
Zirconia: A newer ceramic material offering exceptional strength and natural appearance. Suitable for front or back teeth.
The Crown Process
Getting a crown typically requires two appointments:
First visit: We prepare the tooth by removing a layer of enamel to make room for the crown. We take impressions and fit you with a temporary crown while your permanent crown is crafted at the dental laboratory.
Second visit: We remove the temporary crown, check the fit and color of your permanent crown, and cement it in place.
Some offices, including ours, may offer same-day crowns using CAD/CAM technology, reducing the process to a single appointment.
Understanding Dental Bridges
A dental bridge literally "bridges" the gap left by one or more missing teeth. It consists of artificial teeth (pontics) anchored by crowns on the adjacent natural teeth.
Why Replace Missing Teeth?
Leaving gaps in your smile causes more than aesthetic concerns:
- Remaining teeth may shift into the empty space
- Your bite can become misaligned
- Chewing efficiency decreases
- Facial structure may change over time
- Speech can be affected
Types of Bridges
Traditional bridge: The most common type. Crowns on teeth on either side of the gap support the pontic(s) in between.
Cantilever bridge: Used when teeth exist on only one side of the gap. Less common due to stress on the anchor tooth.
Maryland bridge: A conservative option using metal or porcelain wings bonded to the backs of adjacent teeth. Best for front teeth.
Implant-supported bridge: Dental implants rather than natural teeth support the bridge. Ideal for longer spans or when adjacent teeth are healthy.
The Bridge Process
Like crowns, traditional bridges typically require two appointments. The anchor teeth are prepared, impressions taken, and temporary bridge placed. At the second visit, we cement the permanent bridge.
Caring for Your Crown or Bridge
With proper care, crowns and bridges can last 10-15 years or longer:
- Brush and floss daily: Special floss threaders help clean under bridges
- Avoid hard foods: Chewing ice or hard candies can damage restorations
- Wear a night guard: If you grind your teeth
- Maintain regular checkups: We'll monitor your restorations and address issues early
Making the Right Choice
During your consultation at Finch & Dudley Dental, we'll examine your teeth, discuss your options, and recommend the best solution for your specific situation. Our goal is to restore your smile with restorations that look natural and function beautifully.
Explore crown and bridge options at Finch & Dudley Dental, located at Yonge and Finch in North York.