A dental crown is a tooth shaped “cap” that is placed over a tooth to cover the tooth to restore its shape and size, strength, and improve its appearance.
A bridge spans a space where one or more teeth have been lost in the dental arch. The teeth on either end of the gap are crowned, and are referred to as abutments. The false teeth in a bridge that join the abutments are referred to as pontics.
Crowns and bridge may be made of metal, porcelain, or newer restorative materials like metal free ceramics( Zirconia, Ultratranslucent, Bruxzir & Robust, Ivoclar Zenostar, 3M Lava Essential).
The biggest disadvantage with dental bridge is the grinding down of healthy neighbouring teeth to support missing teeth. But you can save healthy neighbouring teeth by dental implants.
Dental crowns and bridges are like protective caps and bridges for your teeth. They’re used to restore damaged or missing teeth, helping to improve both the appearance and function of your smile.
Here’s how the dental crown and bridge procedure works:
Crowns: A dental crown is a cap that covers a damaged or decayed tooth, restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance. First, your dentist will prepare the tooth by removing any decay and shaping it to fit the crown. Then, they’ll take impressions to create a custom-made crown that matches the color and shape of your natural teeth. The crown is then cemented onto the prepared tooth, providing protection and support.
Bridges: A dental bridge is used to replace one or more missing teeth by spanning the gap between adjacent teeth. The bridge consists of one or more artificial teeth (called pontics) that are held in place by dental crowns attached to the neighboring teeth. Similar to crowns, the adjacent teeth are prepared, and impressions are taken to create custom-made crowns and pontics. The bridge is then cemented onto the prepared teeth, restoring your smile and helping to maintain the alignment of your remaining teeth.
Dental crowns and bridges are durable and long-lasting solutions for restoring damaged or missing teeth. They can improve your ability to chew and speak properly, as well as enhance the aesthetics of your smile. If you’re considering dental crowns or bridges, consult with a qualified dentist to discuss your options and create a personalized treatment plan.