Dental crowns are often called "dental caps" which cover and encase the tooth on which they are cemented. Since, dental crowns cover over the entire visible aspect of a tooth, a dental crown if effect becomes the tooth's new outer surface.
Dental crowns as a means to rebuild broken and decayed teeth to their original shape. Dental crowns are a way to strengthen teeth and method by which the cosmetic appearance of teeth can be improved.
Dental crowns can be made of porcelain, precious alloys (gold), or a combination of both. An complete ceramic crown can offers better color, translucency and appearance.
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is used to replaces one or more natural missing teeth, thereby bridging the space between two teeth. A dental bridge is a false tooth, known as a pontic, which is fused between two dental crowns to fill in the area left by a missing tooth. The two dental crowns on the adjacent supporting teeth of the missing gaps are attached and holds it in place onto your teeth on each side of the pontic tooth.
Dental bridges, similar to dental crowns, can be made of porcelain, precious alloys (gold), or a combination of both. An complete ceramic bridge may be done on anterior teeth that offers good natural esthetics.
Types of Dental Crowns and Dental Bridge Materials
All porcelain crowns and all porcelain bridges without any metal contents include:
- IPS Empress & IPS e.Max
- Cercon Smart Ceramics (Zirconia)
- Procera All Porcelain (Zirconia)
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns and bridges include:
- Standard alloys
- PFM semi-precious crowns (gold >50%)
- PFM high-precious crowns (gold>85%)
- All gold crowns and bridges
Procedure on Dental Crown & Dental Bridges Treatment
The course of treatment described here is one of several options available. Consult your prosthodontist to find out what the best solution is for you, given your specific condition.
1. Before procedure
The prosthodontist makes a first evaluation on existing tooth/teeth for crown and bridges.
2. Preparing the old tooth
The natural tooth or adjacent teeth to the missing gap is given minor preparation or adjustments. A teeth impression is made and sent off to the dental laboratory to be made. A temporary crown or bridge is attached.
3. Placing the new crown or bridge
Upon delivery, the crown or bridge is securely fitted.
4. End result
The end result is a new tooth or gap replacement. Care for your new crowns and bridges is required in brushing and flossing should be done as recommended by your prosthodontist.
