Living with broken or missing teeth can be a miserable experience. As well as spoiling your smile, they can make it difficult to eat and leave you prone to infection. The good news is it’s easier than ever to treat this problem.
Modern patients have good options when it comes to fixing or replacing teeth. Two of the most common treatments are crowns and bridges. Both are easy to fit, simple to maintain and extremely effective at restoring the function and appearance of a full set of teeth. There’s never been a better time to get your smile back!
Both crowns and bridges act as an artificial replacement for a tooth or part of a tooth. However, there are a few key differences between the two:
A crown is a porcelain, ceramic or metal cap that is used to repair a damaged tooth. It can also be used to strengthen teeth that are cracked or decayed, or to improve the appearance of stained or misshapen teeth. Crowns are made to measure and then fitted directly to the tooth in question.
A bridge is a slightly more complex solution used to replace a missing tooth. It involves attaching a false tooth to one or two neighbouring teeth, either by fitting a crown on one or both sides or using an adhesive. Like crowns, bridges are made to measure from porcelain or ceramic.
It’s never been easier to get a crown or bridge fitted. We are based in Salford, so are well located whether you live in Manchester or Salford. Just follow these steps and we’ll do the rest:
Book an appointment using our online booking service or by calling us on 0161 843 5711.
Your dentist will assess your teeth and take an x-ray to confirm what treatment options are available to you. If you decide to go ahead with a crown or bridge, your dentist will prepare the necessary teeth by shaping them to allow space for the crown or bridge to be fitted. The dentist will then take a digital scan (which is more accurate than an impression) and take a shade so the restoration will blend in with the rest of your teeth to look natural.
Your dentist will fit a temporary crown or bridge for you to wear in the meantime.
When your crown or bridge is ready, you’ll be called back to have it fitted. The dentist will attach the crown or bridge and make sure it fits properly. If necessary, a local anaesthetic will be used.
Sometimes it is a good idea to whiten the rest of your teeth before having a crown or bridge fitted. This is because once fitted, the shade cannot be changed without replacing the whole restoration.
For those struggling with missing or damaged teeth, a crown or bridge can be life changing. Both options come with several advantages:
Improve cosmetic appearance by hiding damaged or discoloured teeth.
Make it easier to eat by allowing a consistent bite across the mouth.
Reduce stress on surrounding teeth when eating.
Alleviate pain and minimise the need for further treatment by preventing cracks from progressing.
Fill in gaps in the smile for a more attractive appearance.
Prevent neighbouring teeth from shifting into gaps.
Allow patients to eat without difficulty.
Whether you live in Manchester, Salford or anywhere else in the Greater Manchester area, we’re here to make your crown or bridge fitting as stress-free as possible. Using the latest equipment and techniques, our expert team will bring your smile back to life. Book a check up in our Salford practice to get started.
Book aN APPOINTMENTA crown is the ideal restoration if your tooth is broken and a significant amount of tooth tissue is lost, or a cuspal coverage restoration is required to help strengthen the tooth. A bridge can be a very good option for a missing tooth. Alternative options include implants and dentures.
Crowns and bridges don’t last forever but, with proper care, they can be a truly long-term solution. Most will last at least five to seven years, but some will last much longer. We’re always happy to offer some tips on extending their lifespan.
Crowns and bridges are designed to be just as sturdy as your regular teeth. That said, it may be wise to avoid extremely hard or sticky foods. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to ask your dentist.
Crowns are sometimes the best way to fix a damaged tooth, but there is another alternative for missing teeth. A dental implant is like a bridge but, instead of being attached to the adjacent teeth, it’s attached directly to the jaw bone. Implants may last longer than bridges, but their suitability will depend on the strength of your jaw bone. Once again, your dentist will be able to advise what's best.