Dental Crowns and Bridges - Things that you need to know before going to a dentist!

What are dental crowns?

Dental crowns are the caps and covers that dentists use to cover a tooth or teeth. Dental crowns perform the function of bringing the tooth or teeth back to their standard size, shape, and position. In addition to this, they also improve your tooth or teeth' look and make your tooth or teeth stronger.

The reasons behind using dental crowns could be due to cracked or worn down teeth, and they can also be used to fix the tooth or teeth that are not in proper shape or are discolored. They are also used to improve your smile.

The materials used to make dental crowns are ceramics, metal alloys, porcelain, along with the fusion of metal and composite resin. In most cases, it does not matter what material is used, but it will be mostly tailored to fit in or match with the natural color of the tooth or teeth.

What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge is a permanent appliance that replaces a missing tooth or missing teeth. It's made up of 2 or more crowns that are fused together to fit into the open space where your tooth or teeth used to be.

The artificial teeth that are replaced are also known as pontics, which are made up of multiple elements such as alloys, gold, porcelain, or even a combination of them. The function of a dental bridge is to bridge or cover the gap caused by missing tooth or teeth. In such cases, bridges receive support from natural teeth or teeth or implants.

Types of Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges

Types of Dental Crowns

Based on the types of materials, there are four types of elements or materials used.

All-ceramic crowns- The crowns are made up of full ceramics. The All-Ceramic crowns are translucent and are the most natural-looking tooth replacement. These can be the best option for the replacement of front teeth as they give a natural-looking appearance.

• Fusion of Porcelain with metal- In this, crowns are more robust than regular porcelain because of the attachment of the metal to it. The functions of such dental crowns are to fix the front upper teeth or tooth.
• Alloys of Base Metals- The best part about base metals alloys is that they are entirely resistant to corrosion, and because of this factor, they are strong crowns. In addition to this, they also require less tooth or teeth removal for fitting as compared to other crowns.
• Alloys of Gold- These alloys are a mix of metals that includes both gold and copper. The plus point about such a type of alloy is that it will not injure your tooth or teeth in any way; it also prevents fractures and wearing away of the tooth or teeth, which makes it durable.

Types of Dental Bridges

There are four types of dental bridges, which are listed below:

• Traditional Bridges- Traditional Bridges are the most famous bridges among all types of bridges. Traditional dental bridges use dental crowns on both sides of the gap, which is used for holding false teeth in the proper place. These dental crowns can also be known as abutments that are cemented or placed to the tooth or teeth adjacent to the gap.
• The only pitfall of traditional dental bridges is that it will require the dentists to perform the removal of enamel from the teeth or tooth which is on the adjacent side so that space can be made up for the crowns could be cemented on the top.
• Cantilever Bridges- These types of dental bridges are similar to the traditional bridges; the only difference is that the abutment or supporting teeth is only on one side of the missing space. This type of bridge can be used when any one side of the gap has natural teeth or teeth next to it.
• Maryland Bridges- Maryland Bridges is a type of resin-bonded bridge that has a metal and porcelain framework that holds false tooth or teeth in place. The framework is designed so that it forms a bond with the back of the tooth or teeth next to the gap immediately. The only downfall or minus point about the Maryland bridges is that the bridge's strength completely depends on the resin's strength, keeping it in hold properly.
• Implant-supported bridges- Implant-supported bridges are used at those times when more than a single tooth is missing. These types of bridges use dental implants as support and holding systems instead of crowns and frameworks. They are placed after each missing tooth and teeth, which makes them more secure and comfortable.

Procedure for Dental Crowns

• 1st visit- Investigation and Preparation. A normal dental checkup and an x-ray of the teeth.
• 2nd visit- Placement of the crown. In case if digital 3D models are used, then the crown is replaced on the same day.

Procedure for Dental Bridges

• 1st visit- Preparation and placement of temporary bridges.
• 2nd visit- Placement of permanent bridges.

Taking care of dental bridges and crowns is important once they are placed. Make regular follow-up visits to the dentists to ensure that everything is going fine as it should be.