Crowns and Bridges

Crowns and bridges are common dental restorations used to repair or replace damaged or missing teeth. Here's a closer look at each: Crowns (Caps): Purpose: Crowns are used to cover a damaged or weakened tooth, restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance. They provide protection and support to the underlying tooth structure. Materials: Crowns can be made from various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys (such as gold or nickel), or a combination of materials. Procedure: The dentist prepares the tooth by removing a layer of its outer surface to make room for the crown. An impression of the prepared tooth is taken, which is used to fabricate the custom crown in a dental laboratory. During a subsequent visit, the permanent crown is cemented onto the tooth. Bridges: Purpose: Bridges are used to replace one or more missing teeth by bridging the gap between adjacent natural teeth or dental implants. Types: There are several types of bridges, including traditional bridges, cantilever bridges, and Maryland bridges. Traditional bridges consist of artificial teeth (pontics) held in place by dental crowns attached to adjacent natural teeth. Procedure: Similar to crowns, the dentist prepares the supporting teeth (abutments) by removing a layer of enamel to make room for the crowns. Impressions are taken, and a dental laboratory fabricates the bridge. During a subsequent visit, the bridge is cemented onto the abutment teeth, effectively filling the gap left by the missing teeth. Both crowns and bridges are customized to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth, providing a seamless and aesthetically pleasing result. They restore function, improve oral health, and enhance the appearance of your smile. It's essential to maintain good oral hygiene and attend regular dental check-ups to ensure the longevity of crowns and bridges.