Dental Crowns
Dental crowns (caps) are fixed prosthetic devices that are used to fully cover damaged or badly decayed teeth. They are made to match the color, height, texture, and overall appearance of your natural teeth and are barely noticeable once they are properly in place.
Crowns are ideal for:
- Protecting a weak tooth from fracturing
- Restoring a fractured tooth
- Attaching a dental bridge if the structure of the surrounding teeth is inadequate
- Covering a dental implant to provide a tooth-like shape and structure for functional purposes
- Covering a tooth that has had a root canal
- Covering a discolored or poorly shaped tooth to make them cosmetically appealing
- Replacing a large dental filling when there isn't enough tooth remaining
Various types of crowns are available:
- Porcelain or ceramic crowns:
- Can be made to match natural teeth color
- Ideal for teeth towards the front of the mouth
- Better choice for patients with metal allergies
- Metal alloy crowns:
- Gold alloy, nickel alloy, etc.
- Ideal for back molars
- Stronger than porcelain hence wear-resistant from grinding
- Porcelain fused to a metal shell is also used as it is both attractive and strong.
Dr.Shashidhar will explain the advantages and disadvantages of each type so that you can make an informed decision.
By maintaining good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings, the durability and life of your crowns can be prolonged. Most crowns will last for decades, eliminating the need to replace them unless they fall out or become loose.
However, unlike removable devices such as dentures which can be taken out and cleaned, crowns are cemented onto existing teeth or implants and can only be removed by a dentist.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges help bridge the gap created by missing teeth. The bridge structure is a customized device that comprises of at least two or more crowns with one or more false teeth in between. The crowns are meant for the teeth on either side of the gap while the false tooth/teeth (called a pontic) fill in the gap(s). Dental bridges are supported by natural teeth as well as implants.
Bridges have several benefits as they can:
- Restore a wholesome smile
- Restore the ability to properly chew and speak
- Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position due to the gaps
Like crowns, bridges can be made of various materials, including porcelain and metals, and are fully customizable - they can be made to match the color, height, texture, and overall appearance of your natural teeth. Most bridges will last for decades, eliminating the need to replace them unless they fall out or become loose. You may prolong the durability of your bridges by maintaining good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings.
Although not as permanent as a cap, bridges are bonded to the surrounding teeth and can only be removed by a dentist.