CROWNS & BRIDGES
A filling is a way to restore the normal function and shape of a tooth damaged by caries. When the dentist gives you a filling, he first removes the decayed tooth material, cleans the damaged area, and then fills the cleaned cavity with a special material (tooth-coloured) to revive the function, integrity & morphology of the tooth.
What is a Crown?
A crown, usually called as a cap, is an unnatural hollow cover resembling a natural tooth crown that restores a decayed or damaged tooth to its normal size and shape. It is made out of metal or ceramic material by a distinctive procedure in a dental lab.
Where can Crown be placed?
- Crown is placed over all the teeth that have had root canal treatments done and should be covered with crowns to prevent their breakage as they have lost their natural hydrating mechanism and tend to be brittle.
- Teeth that have been restored more than half by filling material should be crowned.
- Crown helps to improve the aesthetics of tooth with bad aesthetics.
- Harm to the tooth structure because of wear and tear can be altered with a crown.
- A fractured tooth can be restored with a crown.
- Teeth with ample spaces between them resulting in food lodgment or unpleasant appearance can be crowned.
What is a Bridges?
A fixed bridge replaces one or several missing teeth. A fixed bridge is made up of one or several artificial solid teeth attached to crowns which are attached to two or several supporting teeth. Fixed bridge helps to reestablish normal function and precise position of your bite. It is made of various metals, porcelain, or a combination of the two.
Where is it Indicated?
- If one or more teeth are missing it can be restored with fixed bridge.
- If there is a large gap between the teeth in the jaw, a fixed bridge can fill these gaps.
- Can be placed over implants to support implant partially or with full mouth bridge.
What are the advantages of a Bridge?
- A fixed partial denture is not removable once it has been fixed.
- If maintained properly, it can stay for a longer period.
- Comparatively less expensive to dental implants.
- No surgery is required.
What are the disadvantages of a Bridge?
- The supporting teeth needs to be trimmed.
- They are more expensive than removable dentures.
- Difficult to maintain oral hygiene.
- Does not prevent bone loss.
What are the limitation of a Bridge?
- Bridge should be avoided if the teeth which are going to support the bridge are not firm.
- If number of missing teeth is higher in number than of present teeth than a fixed bridge can’t be given.
Various types of Crowns/Bridges
Zirconium Based Crown/Bridges
Advantages
- Zirconium crowns are almost as durable as porcelain crowns combined with metal crowns.
- They are suitable for both the posterior and anterior teeth. They have almost the same premium look as all Porcelain crowns.
Zirconium Based Bridge
Zirconium Based Crown
All Porcelain Crown/Bridges
Advantages
- All-porcelain crowns are aesthetically the best choice for anterior teeth.
- They spread light like a real tooth. so they give the best color for front teeth and don’t look artificial.
Disadvantages
- The major disadvantage of this crown is they are not strong enough to bear occlusal forces.
- Can’t be done in posterior teeth.
All Porcelian Crown
All Porcelian Bridge
All metal Crown/Bridges
Advantages
- They are the most stable crowns available.
- They are nearly indestructible and hence there is no porcelain to chip or break.
- They can be even made in quite thin areas in which there is little room.
- They need less tooth reduction.
Disadvantages
- The significant disadvantage of this crown is its aesthetics. They are highly unaesthetic and cannot be used in the front tooth region.
Metal Crowns
Metal Bridge
Porcelain Fused to Metal
Advantages
- PFM’s are the most effective aesthetic crowns in dentistry. They have the added stability of a bevel at the finishing line.
- They can be given in the front teeth region also.
Disadvantages
- The major disadvantage of this crown is that it requires more space to accommodate porcelain.
- Due to the metal inside, gum line tattooing may be visible at a later time.
- The metal inside must be masked by opaquer, making the overall look more opaque ( somewhat artificial).
Porcelain Fused to Metal
Porcelain Fused to Metal
Precious Metal Crown/Bridges
They are made from precious metals like gold and palladium.
