Dental crowns and bridges are implants that are used either to cover damaged teeth or fill gaps between the teeth. These are fixed prosthetic implants that can only be removed by a dentist and are usually cemented onto teeth or implants. They are not removable devices such as dentures which you can take out and clean.
How do Crowns work?
A damaged tooth can be capped or covered entirely using a crown. This can help improve the alignment, shape, or the appearance of a tooth. It is also used to strengthen a damaged tooth. An implant can be covered using a crown to create a tooth-like shape and structure for better function. You can match the colour of your natural teeth using porcelain or ceramic crowns. Ceramic, acrylic, gold, or metal alloys are some of the other materials that can be used. Since alloys are stronger than porcelain, it is often used for teeth at the back of the mouth.
What are the uses of a Crown?
A crown may be recommended by your dentist when there isn’t enough tooth remaining to replace a large filling. It can help protect a weak tooth from fracturing. It aids in restoring a fractured tooth and assists in attaching a bridge. Further, it can help cover a dental implant or hide a poorly shaped or discoloured tooth. It also helps protect a tooth after a root canal treatment.
How do Bridges work?
In case you are missing one or more teeth, a bridge may be recommended. You may not be able to chew properly if your remaining teeth rotate or shift into the gaps left by missing teeth. Temporomandibular joint (TMD) or gum disease can also arise due to the imbalance caused by missing teeth. It can cause pain and stiffness around your jaw, ear and temple. In this case, a bridge or crown can be used to fill the gaps. Surrounding the empty space, a bridge is cemented to implants or natural teeth.
Picking the right Bridge
When it comes to both dental crowns and bridges, there are several materials that can be used. Based on the location of the missing tooth (or teeth), aesthetic considerations, its function, and cost, your dentist in Oatlands can help you decide which one to use. You can match the natural colour of your teeth using porcelain or ceramic bridges.
How are Crowns and Bridges made?
The size of the tooth is reduced before a bridge, or a crown is actually formed. This is done so that the crown fits over the teeth properly. Once the outer surface of the teeth is removed, your dentist would take an impression of your teeth to make an exact mould for the bridge or crown.
For more details on these dental procedures, contact your dentist in Oatlands and makes an appointment.
