Dental Crowns and Bridges

Dental crowns and bridges are used to repair broken, missing or decayed teeth. Read first about crowns and then dental bridges further down the page.

Dental Crowns

A dental crown is a type of restoration that covers and encases a weakened or damaged tooth. It restores the tooth’s shape, size, strength, appearance and overall functionality.

When are dental crowns needed?

They are commonly used to:

• Protect a weak tooth: If a tooth has been significantly weakened due to decay, a large filling, or a fracture, a crown can provide added strength and support.
• Restore a broken or worn-down tooth: Crowns can be used to rebuild teeth that have been fractured, chipped, or worn down over time.
• Cover a tooth with a large filling: When a tooth has a substantial filling and only a limited amount of natural tooth structure remains, a crown can help prevent further damage.
• Support a dental bridge: Dental bridges are used to replace missing teeth, and crowns are often placed on the teeth adjacent to the gap to support the bridge.
• Cover a dental implant: Dental implants are artificial tooth roots used to replace missing teeth, and a crown is placed on top of the implant to create a functional and natural-looking tooth replacement.

Types of dental crowns

Dental crowns can be made from various materials, including porcelain-fused-to-metal, ceramic and metal alloys (such as gold or silver). The choice of material depends on factors such as the tooth’s location, the patient’s aesthetic preferences, and the functional requirements.

• Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM): These crowns combine the strength and durability of metal with the natural appearance of porcelain, making them a popular choice for many patients. PFM crowns are known for their ability to withstand biting and chewing forces while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
• Ceramic: These crowns are made entirely from ceramic materials, providing a highly natural and lifelike appearance. All-ceramic crowns are often preferred for front teeth restorations due to their ability to blend seamlessly with surrounding teeth.
• Gold alloy: In some cases, gold alloy crowns may be recommended due to their exceptional strength and longevity. Gold alloy crowns are known for their durability and resistance to wear, making them an excellent choice for back teeth restorations where biting forces are greater.

The process for getting a dental crown

The process of getting a dental crown typically involves several steps, including tooth preparation, impressions, temporary crown placement (if needed), crown fabrication by a dental laboratory, and final cementation of the permanent crown onto the tooth.

Dental Bridges

A dental bridge is a dental prosthesis that’s used to replace one or more missing teeth by spanning the gap between two teeth or dental implants. The bridge consists of one or more artificial teeth that are attached to the adjacent natural teeth or implants, creating a “bridge” across the gap.

When are dental bridges needed?

They serve several important purposes:

• Tooth Replacement: A bridge is used to fill the space left by missing teeth, restoring the appearance of a complete smile and preventing the remaining teeth from shifting out of position.
• Chewing Function: By replacing missing teeth, a bridge helps restore proper chewing and biting functionality, allowing you to eat a wider variety of foods.
• Speech: Missing teeth can affect speech patterns, and a dental bridge can help improve speech clarity.
• Maintaining Facial Shape: Missing teeth can lead to changes in facial structure over time. A dental bridge helps support the surrounding tissues, preventing sagging and maintaining a more youthful facial appearance.
• Dental Health: A bridge can help distribute biting forces evenly across the teeth, reducing the stress on individual teeth and potentially preventing issues that can arise due to an uneven bite.

Types of dental bridges

• Traditional Bridge: This is the most common type and involves creating crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap and attaching the pontic (artificial tooth) in between.
• Cantilever Bridge: In cases where there is only one natural tooth adjacent to the gap, a cantilever bridge can be used. The artificial tooth is supported by the single adjacent tooth.
• Maryland Bridge: this is a porcelain or metal framework that is bonded to the back of adjacent teeth. It is often used for replacing front teeth and requires minimal alteration of the adjacent teeth.

Dental bridges require proper oral hygiene to maintain their longevity. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups are essential to prevent decay and gum disease around the bridge and supporting teeth.

The process for getting a dental bridge

The process typically involves an initial consult, tooth preparation, impressions, temporary bridge (if needed), bridge fabrication by a dental laboratory, and then final placement of the permanent bridge.

It’s important to note that the process may vary slightly depending on the type of bridge being used and the specific circumstances of your case.

In summary

It’s important to consult with us to determine the best tooth replacement option for your specific case, as the choice between a dental crown, dental bridge, dental implant, or other treatment will depend on factors such as your oral health, budget, and aesthetic preferences.