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all-about-dental-crowns-and-tooth-bridges
Dental crowns and bridges are restorative solutions for people who have a missing or damaged tooth. The process uses artificial materials to either replace or restore the tooth in question.
In most cases, these treatment procedures are the initial solution before one goes for a denture or implants. But, it is worth noting that these treatments also have specific targets that dentures and implants may not resolve.
If you are wondering how these processes work or which one is right for you, then you have come to the right place. Continue to read on, and learn more about crowns and bridges.
What is a Crown?
Dental crowns are like “manufactured” teeth. They can either be porcelain or ceramic as they match the color of a natural tooth.
There are crowns that are made of gold alloys, as well. Some prefer this material as it offers improvements in terms of strength, especially when the teeth in question are in the back position.
When do I need a dental crown?
Crowns are for people who have a damaged tooth or teeth. Your dentist at Skymark Smile Centre will file down and reshape the existing tooth into a smaller size.
Any decay or debris will also be removed before placing the crown into the existing tooth. It will fit like a cap over the newly structured and cleaned tooth, making it a whole new tooth.
You will need a dental crown if:
- The tooth is fractured or damaged
- There is too much decay that it has already weakened the tooth
- The tooth is severely discolored
- The tooth is misshapen
- You will get a dental bridge, and the structure needs an anchor
Types of Dental Crowns
There are generally three types of crowns. The main difference for each one lies in the materials used to make them.
These are:
- Gold crowns
- Porcelain crowns
- Zirconia crowns
Apart from the three given above, there are also other types of crowns that are not quite popular among patients. But, despite their unpopularity, some individuals still resort to them.
These are:
- Ceramic crowns
- Composite resin crows
- Combinations and Alloys
To give you a better understanding of a combination crown, there are some people who want a porcelain crown, and they also prefer a metal-infused one. A combination of the two is possible, and this type falls under this category.
It is worth noting, though, that dentists and experts will still consider several factors when choosing the best type of crown for you. These variables include the location of the tooth, how exposed it is, the affected gum tissues, the condition and quality of the existing tooth, and even the color of the surrounding teeth.
What is a Bridge?
A dental bridge is similar to a crown. The difference, though, is that the key function, as well as the target treatment.
A bridge is a “prosthetic appliance” that mainly aims to replace missing teeth. The materials that are normally used for this treatment are porcelain-fused and metal ones.
When do I need a dental bridge?
The structure of a dental bridge features a false tooth or teeth in between two crowns. This is why dentists will prepare both teeth on either side of the gap for the dental crowns. This is also the reason why people who want or need to have bridges will require two strong neighboring teeth so that the structure can anchor to them.
You will need a dental bridge if you have:
- Bite problems
- Chewing difficulties
- Pain from the extra stress on your teeth and jaw
- Concerns about the way teeth looks
Types of dental bridges
There are four types of dental bridges. The type that is best for you will vary depending on your dentist’s recommendations and dental requirements.
- Traditional
Traditional bridges are the most popular type because most people who have dental bridges resort to this kind. It features a false tooth or teeth, which will be held in place by the two crowns. Consequently, the crowns are cemented onto each of the abutment teeth.
- Cantilever
Cantilever bridges are quite similar to the traditional type. The only difference is that this procedure will only need one natural neighboring tooth instead of two.
- Maryland
Maryland bridges, or also known as the resin-bonded type are mainly for people who have missing front teeth. The typical materials utilized in the structure are either ceramic or porcelain-fused metal.
A special framework supports the artificial tooth or teeth, and it features wings on each side of the bond, allowing it to take support from the neighboring teeth.
- Implant-Supported
An implant-supported bridge is like the traditional type. But, instead of cementing the structure in place to teeth, implants will hold it all in place.
Final Thoughts
All in all, dental crowns and bridges have become some of the most common dental treatment procedures done by experts to repair damaged or replace missing teeth. Most people would resort to these solutions instead of going through an extraction.
Apart from the pain, extraction means you will no longer have your natural tooth or teeth in place. This is why dentists would often recommend these treatments first, especially if the tooth or teeth in question can still be saved.
