Crowns and Bridges
Crowns and bridges are dental prosthetic devices used to restore functionality and aesthetics to damaged or missing teeth. They play a crucial role in modern dentistry by improving oral health, enhancing smiles, and restoring confidence in patients.
If you have huge cavities, huge fillings, or fractured or broken teeth, a crown comes to your rescue, where it holds the tooth from all over and strengthens it. And now, once again, you can bite, speak, and smile confidently with it.
A bridge is a way to replace missing teeth where the dummy teeth come attached to an adjacent cap anchoring onto the natural teeth. Also, they are time-tested.
Both crowns and bridges are custom-made and fit onto your teeth seamlessly.
We have various choices of materials in this, such as Zirconia, E-Max, DMLS, Porcelain fused to metal, Ceramic in monolithic or layered fashion.
The choice of material is based primarily on the patient’s preferences, aesthetic demands to be met, and biting forces to be endured by those teeth.
Crowns
A dental crown, often referred to as a “cap,” is a tooth-shaped covering placed over a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns are typically recommended for teeth that are extensively decayed, cracked, or have undergone root canal treatment. They are also used to improve the appearance of discolored or misshapen teeth.
Crowns are made from a variety of materials, including porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys, or a combination of these. Porcelain and ceramic crowns are popular for their ability to mimic the natural look of teeth, making them ideal for front teeth. Metal crowns, such as those made from gold or other alloys, are highly durable and often used for molars. Zirconia crowns, known for their strength and natural appearance, are a new option.
The process of getting a crown typically involves two visits to the dentist. During the first visit, the dentist prepares the tooth, takes an impression, and places a temporary crown. The final crown, crafted in a dental laboratory, is cemented during the second visit.
Bridges
Dental bridges are used to replace one or more missing teeth by “bridging” the gap left by the absent teeth. A bridge consists of one or more artificial teeth (pontics) anchored by dental crowns on the adjacent natural teeth or implants, known as abutments. Like crowns, bridges can be made from materials such as porcelain, ceramic, or metal.
Bridges not only restore the ability to chew and speak properly but also prevent the remaining teeth from shifting out of position, which can lead to bite problems and further tooth loss.
Maintenance and Longevity
Proper oral hygiene is essential to maintaining crowns and bridges. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups ensure their longevity, which can range from 5 to 15 years or more with proper care. Avoiding hard and sticky foods can also help prevent damage.
In conclusion, crowns and bridges are essential dental solutions that restore functionality, aesthetics, and oral health, improving the overall quality of life for patients.