What are Crowns and Bridges?

Crowns and most bridges are permanent prosthetic devices. Different from
removable devices like dentures, bridges and crowns are cemented onto an existing tooth or implants, thus can only be detached by a dentist.

How a Crown Works

A crown entirely covers a damaged tooth. Apart from strengthening a dented tooth, a crown is used to improve the appearance, alignment or shape. A crown is also placed onto an implant to offer a tooth-like shape and structure.

How Bridge Works

bridges may be suggested if you are missing one tooth or several teeth. Gaps that are left by missing teeth in the long run cause the remaining teeth to shift into the empty spaces. This results in a poor bite. The disparity caused by missing teeth also leads to gum disease and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) conditions.

Bridges are generally used to replace missing teeth. They are paved to the natural tooth or the implants adjacent to the empty space. These teeth usually referred to as abutments; act as anchors for a bridge. An emergency tooth, usually known as pontic, is attached to crowns that cover the abutments. Just as the case with crowns, you’ve got a choice of materials for bridges. A dentist can assist you decide on which to use, based on the locality of the missing teeth, the function, cost and aesthetic considerations. Ceramic or porcelain bridges can easily be matched to the color of your teeth.

How Crowns and Bridges are made

Before crowns or bridges can be made, the teeth must be reduced, in terms of size so that either the bridge or crown fits over it properly. After reducing the teeth/tooth, the dentist will then take an impression to arrange for the exact mold for the bridge or crown. In case porcelain is being used, the dentist will therefore determine the right shade for the bridge or crown that matches the color of your teeth.

Using the impression above, a dental lab makes your bridge or crown, in the material the dentist specified. A temporary bridge or crown is put in place to cover the prepared teeth/tooth while the permanent bridge or crown is being made. When the permanent bridge or crown is ready, the temporary bridge or crown is removed, and the new bridge or crown is cemented over the prepared teeth or tooth.

How Long Crowns and Bridges Last

Crowns and bridges might last a lifetime, though sometimes fall out or come loose. The most essential step you should take to guarantee the longevity of your bridge or crown is to practice decent oral hygiene. Bridges can lose their support if the teeth or bones holding them in place are broken by dental disease. Always keep your teeth and gums healthy by brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily. Also see your hygienist and dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkup. To prevent damage to your new crown or bridge, avoid chewing hard foods, ice or other hard objects.