Both crowns and most bridges are fixed prosthetic devices. Unlike removable devices such as dentures, which you can take out and clean daily, crowns and bridges are cemented onto existing teeth or implants and can only be removed by a dentist.

How do Crowns Work?

Crowns are used to cover or “cap” a damaged tooth. During this procedure the damaged part of a tooth is removed and replaced with a permanent prosthetic cap. This technique strengthens and protects weakened teeth from further damage, and can also improve the appearance a discoloured or a misshapen tooth.

Individual crowns are used to restore the function and aesthetic of individual teeth, whilst bridges can be used in conjunction with crowns to replace multiple missing teeth.

How do Bridges Work?

Bridges are used to replace a single tooth or multiple teeth that have been lost. Bridges rely on existing tooth structures on either side of the missing teeth which are prepared with a crown and fused to prosthetic teeth to “bridge” the gap.

These devices are permanent solutions to dental problems such as missing teeth, weakened tooth structure and large fillings.