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A crown is a ‘cap’ that fits over the entire surface of the tooth. The process of making a crown involves trimming the tooth down to the desired shape. Impressions of the tooth are then taken to construct a crown.
A crown is fitted over the tooth surface, and is bonded in place using dental cement. The shape, size, colour and surface characteristics of a crown are matched to the surrounding teeth, and once fitted they provide a seamless and permanent restoration to a tooth.
Crowns can last a lifetime and are used:
Types of crowns
All-ceramic crowns are made of porcelain, providing a perfectly fitting and sealed crown. They are highly biocompatible and avoid the use of metals. When fitted they are bonded to the underlying tooth structure to provide added strength. All ceramic crowns can be indicated for restoration of anterior teeth and provide superior aesthetics.
Ceramic-metal crowns utilise an alloy as a substructure and ceramic porcelains are applied over the top. The underlying metal provides strength while the ceramics give the appearance of natural teeth.
Bridge
Bridgework is used to replace lost teeth or to restore pre-existing gaps, when there is more than one crown unit joined together. Bridges are fitted over existing teeth to replace toothless spaces.
Bridges are constructed of similar materials to crowns. They are permanent restorations although in many cases, they have now been superseded by the use of dental implants to replace toothless spaces.