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Crowns
and Bridges
Bridges
Bridges are natural-looking dental appliances that can replace
a section of missing teeth. Because they are custom-made, bridges
are barely noticeable and can restore the natural contour of
teeth as well as the proper bite relationship between upper
and lower teeth.
Bridges are sometimes referred to as fixed partial dentures,
because they are semi-permanent and are bonded to existing teeth
or implants. Some bridges are removable and can be cleaned by
the wearer; others need to be removed by a dentist.
Porcelain, gold alloys or combinations of materials are usually
used to make bridge appliances.
Appliances called implant bridges are attached to an area below
the gum tissue, or the bone.
Crowns
Crowns are synthetic caps, usually made of a material like porcelain,
placed on the top of a tooth.
Crowns are typically used to restore a tooth's function and
appearance following a restorative procedure such as a root
canal. When decay in a tooth has become so advanced that large
portions of the tooth must be removed, crowns are often used
to restore the tooth.
Crowns are also used to attach bridges, cover implants, prevent
a cracked tooth from becoming worse, or an existing filling
is in jeopardy of becoming loose or dislocated. Crowns also
serve an aesthetic use, and are applied when a discolored or
stained tooth needs to be restored to its natural appearance.
Procedures
A tooth must usually be reduced in size to accommodate a crown.
An impression is made of the existing tooth and an impression
is made. The impression is sent to a special lab, which manufactures
a custom-designed crown. In some cases, a temporary crown is
applied until the permanent crown is ready. Permanent crowns
are cemented in place.
Crowns are sometimes confused with veneers, but they are quite
different. Veneers are typically applied only to relatively
small areas.
Caring For Your Crowns
With proper care, a good quality crown could last
up to eight years or longer. It is very important to floss
in the area of the crown to avoid excess plaque or collection
of debris around the restoration.
Certain behaviors such as jaw clenching or bruxism (teeth
grinding) significantly shorten the life of a crown. Moreover,
eating brittle foods, ice or hard candy can compromise the
adhesion of the crown, or even damage the crown. |
