Crowns and bridges are a means to restore damage to teeth or to replace missing teeth. A crown, also known as a “cap”, covers the surface of a tooth that has experienced a considerable degree of damage. This functions to strengthen the tooth and also considerably improves the alignment, shape and overall appearance.
Crowns serve a variety of purposes, including the following:
- Replacing a considerably sized filling in a tooth with very little remaining natural tooth structure
- Reinforcing a weaker tooth from becoming fractured
- Completely restoring a tooth that is fractured
- Attaching a bridge inside the mouth
- Covering and concealing a dental implant
- Covering a tooth that appears to be misshaped or discolored
- Covering a tooth that has experienced root canal treatment
The Functionality of Bridges
A bridge may be utilized to fill noticeable space where teeth are missing. A bridge contains one or more artificial teeth cemented into place using the surrounding teeth for stabilization. Missing teeth are resolved often by this method. Bridge function both cosmetically and functionally. The materials used include gold alloys, porcelain bonded to a metal alloy or Zirconia, or a special ceramic material made to match the color of your teeth. Choice of what material is used depends upon the particular requirements for the space needing to be filled by the bridge.
Health Concerns Regarding Missing Teeth
It is crucial to one’s complete health for missing teeth be replaced immediately. The teeth surrounding the gap begin to shift inward if not treated immediately by a dentist. Due to the fact that teeth use each other for support in the mouth, each tooth is crucial for alignment and stability of the others. Spaces can deteriorate the bite due to pressure changes, and can eventually lead to further problems — such as TMJ — with the jaw.
Treatment Procedure and Materials
Traditional Bridges and crowns are formed by the dentist taking an impression of your mouth. Afterwards, the impression is sent off to a lab where the crown or bridge is customized to fit your mouth and match the color of your teeth. Temporary crowns and/or bridges may be utilized temporarily until the final versions return from the lab. When they arrive, the temporary crown or bridge will be removed and the permanent counterpart will be cemented into place.
It is important to note that bridges and crowns are highly durable and have the potential to last a lifetime, depending upon general care. If the patient maintains good dental hygiene, he or she should not encounter further issues with this treatment.