A dental crown is a cap placed over a damaged tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. It’s used when a tooth is severely decayed, broken, or worn down. Crowns can be made from various materials, including metal, porcelain, resin, or a combination of these.

Types of Dental Crowns:

1. Metal Crowns: Made from gold, palladium, nickel, or chromium. They are durable and withstand biting and chewing forces well.
2. Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns: These crowns are aesthetically pleasing and have a metal structure for added strength.
3. All-Ceramic or All-Porcelain Crowns  Ideal for front teeth due to their natural appearance. They are less durable than metal crowns but offer the best color match.
4. Resin Crowns: More affordable and less durable, often used as a temporary solution.

Benefits of Dental Crowns:

– Protects a weakened tooth from breaking
– Restores an already broken tooth or a tooth that has been severely worn down
– Covers and supports a tooth with a large filling
– Holds a dental bridge in place
– Covers misshapen or severely discolored teeth
– Covers a dental implant

Procedure for Getting a Dental Crown:

1. Initial Visit: The dentist examines the tooth and prepares it for the crown. This may involve reshaping the tooth and taking impressions.
2. Temporary Crown: A temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth while the permanent crown is being made.
3. Final Visit: The permanent crown is cemented into place after ensuring it fits correctly and matches the color of surrounding teeth.

Dental Bridges

What is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a prosthetic device used to fill the gap created by one or more missing teeth. It consists of two or more crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap (called abutment teeth) and a false tooth/teeth (called pontics) in between.

Types of Dental Bridges:

1. Traditional Bridges: Involves creating a crown for the tooth or implant on either side of the missing tooth, with a pontic in between. These are the most common type.
2. Cantilever Bridges: Used when there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the missing tooth or teeth.
3. Maryland Bonded Bridges: Use a metal or porcelain framework to hold the pontic in place, bonded onto the back of adjacent teeth.
4. Implant-Supported Bridges: Instead of being supported by natural teeth, these bridges are supported by dental implants.

Benefits of Dental Bridges:

– Restores your smile and the ability to chew and speak properly
– Maintains the shape of your face
– Distributes the forces in your bite properly by replacing missing teeth
– Prevents remaining teeth from drifting out of position

Procedure for Getting a Dental Bridge:

1. Initial Visit: The abutment teeth are prepared by removing a portion of enamel to allow room for a crown.
2. Impressions: Impressions of the teeth are taken to create the crowns, pontic, and bridge.
3. Temporary Bridge: A temporary bridge is placed to protect the exposed teeth and gums while the permanent bridge is being made.
4.Final Visit: The temporary bridge is removed, and the new permanent bridge is adjusted and cemented into place.

Conclusion

Dental crowns and bridges are effective restorative options for damaged or missing teeth. They not only improve the aesthetics of your smile but also play a crucial role in maintaining oral health and function. Consulting with a dental professional can help determine the best option for your specific needs.