If you want a smile that's your crowning glory, you may need a crown to cover a tooth and restore it to its normal shape and size. A crown can make your tooth stronger and improve its appearance.

It can cover and support a tooth with a large filling when there isn't enough tooth left. It can be used to attach a bridge, protect a weak tooth from breaking or restore one that's already broken. A crown is a good way to cover teeth that are discolored or badly shaped. It's also used to cover a dental implant.

If your dentist recommends a crown, it's probably to correct one of these conditions.

What is a Crown?
Crowns are an ideal restoration for teeth, which have been broken, or have been weaken by decay or a very large filling. The crown fits right over the remaining part of the tooth, making it strong and giving it the shape and contour of a natural tooth. Crowns are sometimes also known as 'caps.'

Why would I need a crown?
There are a number of reasons. For instance:

the tooth may have been weakened by having a very large filling
you may have discolored fillings and would like to improve the appearance of the tooth.
you may have had a root filling which will require a crown to protect it.
How is a tooth prepared for a crown?

The dentist will prepare the tooth to the ideal shape for the crown. This will involve removing most of the outer surface, and leaving a strong inner 'core'. The amount of the tooth removed will be the same as the thickness of the crown to be fitted. Once the tooth is shaped, the dentist will take an impression of the prepared tooth, one of the opposite jaw and possibly another to mark the way you bite together. The impressions will be given to the technician, along with any other information needed to make the crown.

How long does the treatment take?
At least two visits are needed, the first for the preparation, impression, shade taking and fitting the temporary crown, and the second to fit the permanent crown.

Does it hurt to have a tooth prepared for a crown?
No. A local anaesthetic is used and the preparation should feel no different to that of a filling. If the tooth does not have a nerve, and a post crown is being prepared, then local anaesthetic may not be needed.

How long will a crown last?
The life of a crown will depend on how well it is looked after. The crown itself cannot decay, but decay can start where the edge of the crown joins the tooth. It is very important to keep this area as clean as your other teeth, or decay may occur which could endanger the crown. Properly cared for crowns will last for many years-your dentist will be able to advise you how long.

How are crowns fixed to teeth?
Once the fit and appearance of the crown has been checked, it will be cemented in place with special dental cement. The cement also forms a seal to help hold it firmly in place.

Will the crown feel different?
Because the shape of the crown will be slightly different from the shape of the tooth before it was crowned, you may be somewhat aware of it to begin with. Within a few days it should feel fine, and you will become unaware of it. If it is at all uncomfortable you should ask for an adjustment.

If you're missing one or more teeth, you may notice a difference in chewing and speaking. There are options to help restore your smile.

Bridges help maintain the shape of your face, as well as alleviating the stress in your bite by replacing missing teeth.

Sometimes called a fixed partial denture, a bridge replaces missing teeth with artificial teeth, looks great, and literally bridges the gap where one or more teeth may have been. The restoration can be made from gold, alloys, porcelain or a combination of these materials and is bonded onto surrounding teeth for support.

Unlike a removable bridge, which you can take out and clean, a fixed bridge can only be removed by a dentist

An implant bridge attaches artificial teeth directly to the jaw or under the gum tissue. Depending on which type of bridge your dentist recommends, its success depends on its foundation. So it's very important to keep your remaining teeth healthy and strong.

Why should I replace missing teeth?
Your appearance is one reason. Another is that the gap left by a missing tooth can mean greater strain is put on the teeth on each side. A gap can also mean your "bite" is affected, because the teeth next to the space can lean into the gap and alter the way the upper and lower teeth bite together. This can lead to food getting packed into the gap, which causes both decay and gum disease.

How are missing teeth replaced?
This depends on the number of teeth missing and on where they are in the mouth. The condition of the other teeth also affects the decision.

There are two main ways to replace the missing teeth. The first is with a removable false tooth or teeth-a partial denture. The second is with a fixed bridge. A bridge is usually used where there are fewer teeth to replace or when the missing teeth are only on one side of the mouth.

What is a partial denture?
This is a plate with a number of false teeth on it. The plate may have retaining clips to help keep the denture in place in the mouth. Depending on where they are, some of these clips may be visible when you smile or open your mouth.

What is the alternative to a partial denture?
The main alternative is a fixed bridge. This is made by construction crowns on the teeth at either side of the space, and then joining these two crowns together by placing a false tooth in the space. This is all made in the laboratory and then the pieces are cemented into place with special adhesives. The bridge can't be removed.

Can I always have a bridge to replace missing teeth?
Providing you have enough strong teeth with good bone support, yes, you can usually have a bridge. Your dentist will help you decide which is the best way of replacing the teeth within your budget.

How do I look after my bridge?
You need to clean your bridge every day, to prevent problems such as bad breath and gum disease. You also have to clean under the false tooth every day. Your dentist or hygienist will show you how to use a bridge needle or special floss, as a normal toothbrush cannot reach the area.