Dental Crowns and Bridges
Dental crowns and bridges are the most common dental restoration work in dentistry because they are an ideal way to rebuild missing or damaged teeth. These prosthetics can also help teeth that have been weakened by decay or a very large filling.
A crown is used to cover a single tooth when its structure is damaged. The “cap” fits over the remaining part of the tooth, strengthening it and improving its shape and appearance. Most crowns are made from porcelain fused to a precious metal base, such as gold. In the case of missing one or more teeth, a dental bridge is used instead.
What are they?
When a tooth is cracked, decayed, or damaged, a crown may need to be fitted onto the tooth. Crowns and bridges are fixed prosthetic devices and, unlike dentures (which can be removed by the patient), crowns and bridges are cemented onto existing teeth or implants and can only be removed by a professional.
The crown fits over the remaining part of the tooth, making it strong and giving it the shape and the contour of a natural tooth.
Gaps left by missing teeth may cause the remaining teeth to shift resulting in a bad bite. This can also lead to gum disease and TMJ disorders. Bridges are commonly used if a person is missing one or more teeth. Bridges cover the space where the teeth are missing and are cemented to natural teeth or implants surrounding the space.
How do they work?
There are many different types of dental crowns available, your dentist will advise the best option depending on the location of the crown. Most crowns are made from layers of porcelain, ceramic, or resin fused to a precious metal base, such as gold.
Firstly, the tooth is filed down and reshaped into a smaller size. Any decay is removed and the tooth structure is restored to support the crown. The crown fits like a cap over the newly shaped tooth and is cemented into position.
A dental bridge is a prosthetic appliance that consists of a ceramic tooth (pontic) rigidly attached between two crowns that serve as anchors.
The anchor teeth are shaped and prepared to accommodate the crowns and then a bridge is bonded securely into place. Once a bridge is cemented into position, it looks and works just like natural teeth.
When is a dental crown or bridge required?
A crown or bridge could be used for a number of reasons, for example:
- You have a particularly weak tooth that needs to be held together or requires a bridge.
- You have a tooth that is extremely discolored.
- You would like to improve the appearance of a tooth.
- A tooth is fracture or damaged.
- Decay has weakened a tooth.
- You are missing tooth or several teeth.
How long do crowns and bridges last?
The longevity of a dental crown or bridge depends on the effectiveness and regularity of your dental hygiene routine. As a general rule, they last between 7-15 years but longer periods are certainly possible with good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups.
