Restore a Natural Smile with Crowns & Bridges

Human teeth are remarkably strong and resilient, but sometimes accidents, genetics and lifestyle choices can cause teeth to become worn, discoloured and damaged. It is not uncommon for people with damaged teeth to experience a knock in confidence, but there is really no need to despair. Crowns and bridges offer a quick, easy way to restore a healthy and natural looking smile. In this blog post, Central Brunswick Dental Care will be sharing some insight into the benefits of crowns and bridges.

What are Dental Crowns and Bridges?

Dental crowns are custom made to suit the patient, and they are fixed on top of a damaged tooth using dental cement. They are ideal if you have a single damaged tooth or have recently undergone a root canal, as they will help to protect the damaged tooth, improve appearance and minimize the chance of future complications.

Dental bridges, as the name implies, make use of a metal or ceramic ‘bridge’ as a support system to secure the replacement tooth in the gap where it had gone missing. The anchoring teeth on either side are known as the ‘abutment’ teeth, to which the abutment crowns will be fixed. The artificial tooth will be placed in between to fill the gap and restore your smile. If you have one or more missing/damaged teeth, a bridge may be a great option for you. 

Which is best for my situation?

Crowns can be used in situations where people have:

• A fractured or damaged tooth
• Tooth decay which has weakened a tooth
• Severe tooth discolouration
• A misshapen tooth

Bridges can be used in situations where people have:

• A missing tooth/teeth
• Found dentures to be unstable/uncomfortable or do not like the appearance of them

Looking After Crowns and Bridges

Maintaining a good oral hygiene routine is important, and this will help to extend the life and appearance of your crown or bridge. Ensure that you brush and floss twice daily, making sure to take care when flossing around your crown. This can help to minimise the risk of decay at the point where the crown and tooth were joined. For cleaning under your bridge, you may wish to invest in a water jet flosser to make the process easier. Alternatively, you can use a dental floss threader. 

Consumption of sticky foods should be avoided, as things such as chewy mints and toffees can pull at the crown and loosen it.  

Overall, maintenance is very straightforward. You should continue to visit your dentist every 6 months for a routine check-up and clean so that any problems can be identified and corrected during your visit. This will help to avoid costly and time-consuming dental work needing to be carried out later. 

With care, you can expect a porcelain crown and bridge to last up to 15 years or more. 

Restore Your Smile at Central Brunswick Dental Centre – Call Today

With extensive experience in fitting dental crowns and bridges, Central Brunswick Dental Care would love to help you smile with confidence once again. Our Fortitude Valley dental clinic is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Call today on (07) 3216 1100 to book an appointment.