Crowns and Bridges

 

Dental Crowns

A crown is a type of dental restoration, which completely caps or encircles a tooth or dental implant/ They are bonded to the tooth by a dental adhaesive. They are generally made of porcelain, with a Metal base or Zirconia Base {Tooth coloured base}, to fulfil the cosmetic and functional requirements of the patient. They add more strength to tooth / teeth , with most of their structures damaged.

Crowns indications

• Fractured tooth/ teeth.
• Root canal treated tooth / teeth
• Dental implants
• Cosmetic reasons.
• Severely worn off tooth / teeth.

 

Dental Bridges

Bridges are artificial teeth, which BRIDGE THE GAP, created my one or more missing tooth / teeth. Its made up of crowns on either side of the gap, and a false tooth / teeth in between. They are commonly made of porcelain, with a metal base , or Zirconia { tooth coloured base }.

Benefits of Bridges.

• Restore your smile.
• Restore your ability to properly chew and speak
• Maintain the shape of the face.
• Distributes the forces, in your bite evenly, by replacing the missing teeth.
• Prevents the remaining teeth from drifting out of their position.

 

Procedures for crowns and bridges.

Visit – 1 : The tooth is prepared. Preparation involves, recountouring the teeth by removing a portion of enamel. Impressions are made by the dentist. Temporary crowns are made, to protect the exposed teeth and gums, while the crown / bridge is made in the dental laboratory.

Visit – 2 : The temporary bridge is removed and permanent bridge is fixed with a dental adhesive.

Visit – 3 : ( optional visit ) A recall visit is done to confirm the comfort of the patient, atleast 2 days after the fixation of the permanent crown / bridge.

How Long Do Dental Bridges Last?

Dental bridges can last 5 to 15 years and even longer. With good oral hygiene and regular checkups, it is not unusual for the life span of a fixed bridge to be over 10 years.

Will It Be Difficult to Eat With a Dental Bridge?

Replacing missing teeth with a dental bridge should actually make eating easier. Until you become accustomed to the bridge, eat soft foods that have been cut into small pieces.

Will the Dental Bridge Change How I Speak?

It can be difficult to speak clearly when teeth are missing in the front or anterior areas. Wearing a dental bridge with the anterior teeth in their proper relationship will help you speak properly.

How Do I Care for a Bridge?

It is important to keep your remaining teeth healthy and strong as the success of the bridge depends on the solid foundation offered by the surrounding teeth. Brushing twice a day and flossing daily helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease that can lead to tooth loss. Keeping a regular cleaning schedule will help diagnose problems at an early stage when treatment has a better prognosis. Selecting a balanced diet for proper nutrition is also important.