A crown covers and protects a tooth that has lost too much structure to be filled. A bridge replaces a missing tooth by anchoring a replacement to the teeth on either side.
Once a tooth has lost enough structure, a filling no longer holds it together and the tooth becomes liable to fracture. A crown wraps the tooth instead of sitting inside it.
Usually two appointments — one to prepare and take the impression, one to fit. Some cases differ.
Materials and shade are chosen to match the surrounding teeth. Ask to see the shade selection before it is made.
They are restorations, not permanent replacements, and their lifespan depends on the underlying tooth, your bite and your oral hygiene. They are checked at each examination.
Rebuilding a broken tooth, or spanning a gap.
Dr. George Dumitru is at 2061 Lawrence Avenue West in York, Toronto.