Dental crowns and bridges are artificial implants which are fixed on an individual’s existing teeth. The implants can’t be removed for cleaning daily like dentures.
HOW DO DENTAL CROWNS WORK?
A crown covers a damaged tooth completely. It strengthens the tooth and also improves its shape, appearance, and alignment. Crowns can be fitted on top of implants to give them the teeth-like form. There are different types of crowns which can be used. Ceramic crowns are made to match the pigment and outline of your teeth. Other materials can be used to make the crown like gold or metal alloys. The alloys are sturdy and are recommendable for the back teeth.
A family dentist may recommend the need for a crown to:
- Restore one or several of your fractured teeth.
- Assist in replacing a significant filling where there is a large part of the tooth missing.
- Safeguard weak teeth from fractures.
- Fit a bridge.
- Wrap a dental implant.
- After root canal treatment a tooth may need a crown.
- Wrap a misaligned tooth or discolored tooth.
If your family dentist finds any of the issues and recommends the need for a crown, the procedure is minor and less demanding. You may have to make two visits where the first visit they will examine and prepare the top. When you go for the second visit, the dentist will then fit the crown on your tooth permanently.
HOW DOES A BRIDGE WORK?
Bridges are recommendable for people with missing teeth or tooth. The gaps left once the tooth falls off may lead to teeth rotation which may lead to bad bites. The missing teeth can cause gum diseases. The bridge is cemented to the abutments which work as anchors. Abutments are the teeth surrounding the space with no teeth. The surrounding teeth can be implants or natural. A pontic, which is the replacement tooth, has a crown which covers the abutments. You can choose the kind of material that you need for your bridge. A lot of factors, however, play a significant role in picking the suitable material. The location of the missing tooth and its function plays a vital role in making a choice. The cost of fitting the crown and aesthetic considerations also matter.
HOW ARE THESE IMPLANTS MADE?
For both the implants to be installed on the patient, the teeth have to be reduced for the implants to fit correctly. Once your tooth is reduced, the mold impression will be used to create an exact crown or bridge. If you decide to use porcelain, the dentist would determine the precise color and also the shape of your teeth. As the permanent implant is being prepared, you can get a temporary one to cover the tooth.
HOW LONG BOTH CROWNS AND BRIDGES LAST?
Both implants can last a lifetime. However, that depends on various conditions they may lead to falling off or loosening the implant. A patient should practice sufficient oral and dental hygiene to improve the lifespan of the implants. Dental diseases can loosen the abutments which would lead to loss of bridges.
A patient with bridges or crown should practice proper hygiene by brushing their teeth twice a day. They should also use a toothpaste containing fluoride which helps in improving their health. It’s also vital to visit a dentist regularly for checkups.
