Dental Crowns and Bridges
Dental Crowns and Bridges
Dental Crowns & Bridges – Restoring Strength and Your Smile
Crowns and bridges are popular dental restorations designed to repair damaged teeth or replace missing ones. Though they serve different purposes, both options help restore your mouth’s function, structure, and aesthetics.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a custom-made cap designed to cover and protect a damaged or treated tooth. It helps reinforce the tooth’s structure, restores its original shape, and enhances its appearance. Dentists often suggest crowns for:
• Severely worn or fractured teeth
• Teeth that have undergone root canal treatment
• Teeth with large fillings or decay
• Cosmetic enhancements
Types of Crowns:
Metal Crowns: Known for their exceptional strength, these are typically used on back teeth and are crafted from durable alloys such as gold or other metals.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns: These combine the strength of a metal base with the natural look of porcelain, making them a great choice for molars where both function and appearance matter.
• Ceramic or Porcelain Crowns: Best for front teeth due to their natural look.
• LMS (Lithium Disilicate) Crowns: Known for strength and translucency, offering excellent aesthetics.
Crown Procedure:
1. Tooth Prep: The damaged tooth is shaped to fit the crown.
2. Impression: A digital scan or mold is taken. A temporary crown is placed.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed dental prosthetic used to replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth (pontics) to the natural teeth or implants on either side of the gap.
Types of Bridges:
• Traditional Bridge: Anchored with crowns on both sides of the missing tooth
• Cantilever Bridge: Supported on only one side (used in specific situations)
• Maryland Bridge: Uses a bonded framework behind adjacent teeth, less invasive than crowns
Bridge Procedure:
1. Tooth Prep: Neighboring teeth are reshaped for crowns.
2. Impression: Taken to create a precise-fitting bridge.
3. Placement: The permanent bridge is adjusted and bonded into place.