Crowns and bridges are a fixed solution to missing or damaged teeth. This restorative procedure uses prosthetic devices to return your smile to its natural state. A crown is used when the tooth structure is damaged or fractured. A bridge is used when one or more teeth are missing. The Dental Roots is a multispeciality dental clinic near you that offers a wide variety of crowns and bridges. We ensure personal care and provide a detailed treatment plan for each of our patients.
When is a Crown or Bridge Required?
- Replace a large filling when there isn’t enough tooth remaining.
- Protect a weak tooth from fracturing.
- Restore a fractured tooth.
- Cover a dental implant.
- Cover a discolored or poorly shaped tooth.
- Cover a tooth that has had root canal treatment.
- Bridges are commonly used if you’re missing one or more teeth. They cover the space where the teeth are missing and are cemented to natural teeth or implants surrounding the space.
What to Expect During the Procedure?
What To Expect When Getting a Crown:
- You won’t feel any discomfort as the entire procedure is done under local anesthesia.
- Your dentist will prepare your tooth which may involve removing the decayed tooth structure or doing a root canal or both.
- An impression of the prepared tooth is taken before placing a temporary crown. The dentist will also do shade selection for aesthetic purposes.
- In a few days, the permanent crown is placed with the help of special cement.
- Once the crown gets bonded to the tooth, the dentist will ensure that it matches the function and appearance of your teeth.
What to Expect When Getting a Bridge:
- You won’t feel any discomfort as the entire procedure is done under local anesthesia.
- Your dentist will prepare your tooth which may involve extractions and root canal treatments.
- An impression of the prepared area is taken to create a bridge that fits into your mouth appropriately.
- A temporary bridge is placed until the permanent one is ready.
- In a few days, a permanent bridge is placed with the help of special cement.
- Once the bridge gets bonded to the tooth, the dentist will ensure that it matches the function and appearance of your teeth.
What type of Dental Crown should I Choose?
Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM) Crowns
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns have been considered the benchmark for the repair of damaged teeth. The main advantages of PFM crowns are that they provide great aesthetics and durability and they are less costly than all-porcelain crowns.
However, there are certain disadvantages like the crown may cause a grey line at the gumline which makes it less aesthetic than all-porcelain crowns. For patients with bruxism and clenching habits, this type of crown tends to wear down more easily against the opposite teeth.
Zirconia Crowns
Zirconium is a relatively new material that has the strength of metal and the aesthetic properties of porcelain crowns. Zirconia, (zirconium dioxide) is a white, powdered metal oxide. It is made from zirconium, a metal with similar properties to titanium. Zirconium makes a good choice for dental material because it is chemically nonreactive.
The main advantages of zirconia crowns are they provide great aesthetics, they are strong and long-lasting, and are less likely to wear off due to their strength. Disadvantages include difficulty in adjusting and possible wearing down of teeth they bite against.
Porcelain Crowns
These are the most popular type of crowns used nowadays. Porcelain or ceramic crowns provides you with the best and most natural-looking smile.
They match your surrounding teeth in shape, size, and color. They are the best options for front teeth restorations. However, the main drawback includes that they are not as strong as metal crowns. They are costlier than metal crowns.
E-max Crowns
The newest type of crown in dentistry today is known as E -Max: Lithium Disilicate Crowns. It is made of lithium disilicate and is a type of all-ceramic crown. They provide great aesthetics and durability and are a great choice for front and back teeth. Their main disadvantage includes that they are more expensive and there are possibilities of failure for posterior teeth especially if a bridge is required.
Gold Crowns
Gold crowns are in fact a combination of copper and other metals, such as nickel or chromium. Strength and durability is the main advantage.
They are strong and highly resistant and wear down quite slowly. If properly cared for, they last a long time. Due to differences in color, they have poor aesthetic qualities and can cause mental reactions in certain patients.
Crown and Bridge Care
While crowns and bridges can last a lifetime, they do sometimes come loose or fall out. The most important step you can take to ensure the longevity of your crown is to practice good oral hygiene:
- Brush and floss two to three times a day, taking extra care to floss around your crown.
- Avoid sticky foods such as toffee and lollies, and do not use your teeth inappropriately – chewing pens, crunching ice, gnawing fingernails, etc.
- See your dentist or hygienist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings.
How Long will a Bridge or Crown Last?
The life of your Crown and Bridge depends on the effectiveness and regularity of your dental hygiene. As a general rule, they last between 7-15 years but longer periods are certainly possible with outstanding oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups.