When a tooth is seriously damaged and unsuitable for a direct placement filling then coverage with a crown or onlay is generally required. When planned and carried out correctly using a skilled technician it is possible to restore teeth, previously close to the point of being lost, to a condition almost as strong as a virgin tooth.

Many different materials are available for use and their selection depends on a number of different variables:

  • Tooth position and size.
  • Stability of the bite.
  • Desired final appearance.
  • Strength required for final restoration.
  • Patients criteria.
When teeth are missing and those either side of the space are healthy, with well supported foundations, then replacement with fixed bridgework is possible, the procedures are effectively an extension of those used for single crowns. In situations when the potential supporting teeth have no fillings then it can be possible to fabricate bonded bridgework which is glued onto the supporting teeth with little, or no, preparation being required.

The critical factors to successful long-term bridgework, as with all restorative dentistry, are:

  • Accurate diagnosis and planning prior to treatment being carried out.
  • Attention to detail by both the dentist and technician, during the operative and manufacturing procedures.
  • Instigation of an effective home care regime.

    Before and after provision of 10 units of
    fixed crown cap     and bridge work.
    Implants in place Implants in place
    After fixed cap and bridge work After fixed cap and bridge work