Bridges & Crowns
What Are Bridges and Crowns?
Crowns and bridges are two of the most common types of implants available in dentistry today.
- A dental crown, also known as a “cap” is used to restore teeth without actually removing any teeth. The crown is placed over an existing damaged tooth and is cemented in place.
- A dental bridge is a prosthetic tooth that is held in the gap left by a missing tooth. The bridge is bonded in position by crowns placed on the teeth on either side of the new false tooth. Dental bridges can be used to replace a single missing tooth or up to three in a row.
Types of Dental Crowns/ Bridges
- Metal Crowns: These crowns are made entirely of metal and are not an attractive option as they are silver in colour.
- Metal Ceramic Crowns: This crown has metal at its center but it is covered by a porcelain shell. It allows for the strength offered by a metal crown but has the added benefit of improved appearance
- Full Ceramic or Porcelain Crowns: With this crown, you can get the closest match to your tooth colour. It is the best option to consider as far as the aesthetics are concerned.
Why Do I Need to Get a Dental Crown/Bridge?
A crown is placed over a tooth in the following situations:
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Congenitally misshapen teeth
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Tooth decay
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Damage from trauma
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Wear from bruxism (excessive clenching and grinding)
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A Failed filling
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Severe discoloration
Dental bridges are used to replace missing teeth. If a missing tooth goes unreplaced, the other teeth may shift out of alignment, causing further dental damage. Misaligned teeth can impair the appearance of your smile, the clarity of your speech and your ability to chew food. Crooked teeth also become difficult to clean, leading to a higher risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
FAQ's
With good oral hygiene, crowns and bridges can last a lifetime. While a crowned tooth does not require any special care, it is important to keep your gums and teeth healthy by brushing with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes twice a day and flossing daily. Regular check-ups and professional cleanings are just as necessary to make sure you maintain your oral health.
Modern dental materials and technology have dramatically improved the appearance of dental crowns and bridges. The porcelain used in today’s crowns and bridges can be colour-matched to blend perfectly with the shade of your natural teeth. With proper placement, your dental restoration should be virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth.
It is not necessary to have a root canal every time to have a crown.
Once the root canal treatment has been completed, the tooth is in a weakened state. Unprotected teeth with completed root canal treatments are much more likely to fracture, potentially causing the loss of a tooth. A crown is used to cover the tooth and prevent the tooth from breaking.
Dental crowns are designed to be durable and to function much like your own teeth. However, avoid biting down directly on foods like hard candy or nuts.
If your crowns are worn down, damaged or you’ve had your crowns for several years, you may be troubled by their aesthetics. Older materials used to create crowns were not as natural-looking and life like as today’s modern crowns.
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