Crowns and Bridges
If you have trouble eating because of missing or decayed teeth, then crown and bridges are one of the replacement options available for you. These are the oldest form of fixed replacements that are provided to the patients. We at Shobhai Dental and Implant Clinic have been delivering all types of crowns and bridges to our patients.
What are crowns and bridges and what is the difference between them?
A dental crown is a single cap that can be placed over an individual’s decayed tooth or a dental implant. However, bridges are used only in case of one or more missing teeth. The bridges are placed after taking support from the adjoining teeth on both sides.
What are the indications for crowns?
- A badly decayed tooth
- Post Root canal treatment, to make the tooth functional
- To give coverage to a broken or a fractured tooth
What are the indications for the bridges?
- Single or multiple missing teeth
- To cover the spaces in between teeth
- For smile modification
What is the complete procedure for a crown and bridge?
The various steps involved in crowns and bridges are as follows:
- Clinical examination: In the case of s single crown, the underlying tooth has to be examined. In the case of bridges, the adjoining teeth are examined. X-rays are taken to rule out any underlying pathology.
- Preparation of the tooth structure: The tooth structure is prepared to receive the crowns. The tooth is shaped from all sides to receive the crown.
- Impression: The impressions are taken to record the details and these are sent to the labs. We take impressions with high-quality elastomeric compounds.
- Check the fitting of the crown: Once the crown is delivered from the lab, it is checked well for marginal fitting and high points and colour in the mouth.
- Fixing the crown or the bridge: After the crown is checked, it is fixed to the tooth with appropriate cement.
- Recall: The patient has to come back for a check-up again to access how well the crown has adjusted in the mouth.
What are the different materials for crowns and bridges?
There are various materials used for crowns and bridges are:
- Gold: Gold alloy is used to make crowns. They have high strength. The only disadvantage is that they do not fit the aesthetic needs of the patients.
- Metal crowns: These are made up of metal alloys. They have high strength but are not used due to poor aesthetics.
- Porcelain fused to metal: They have a porcelain layer over the top and they have a metal layer from inside. They have been widely used. They have high strength due to the metal base inside.
- All-porcelain crowns: These crowns are made up of only porcelain. They are highly aesthetic and provide a very natural appearance. They are specifically used to restore the anterior teeth.
The only drawback is that they are not as strong as the other options available.
- Zirconium: This is a new material that has strength and esthetics. They are long-lasting and are resistant to breakage. These have been widely used now in the dental practice.
What is the cost of the crown?
The cost of the crown depends on the material being used. Zirconium and gold crowns are expensive due to their higher properties. The least expensive is the metal crowns.
What factors decide which crown to go for?
- Aesthetics: This is one big factor in deciding which crown to go for. When your tooth is located in the front, it calls for a more aesthetic crown-like all-porcelain and zirconium.
- The functionality of the tooth: While posterior teeth are used more for chewing purposes, the posterior crown should have more strength. For this reason, Zirconium, gold, and porcelain fused to metal can be used for the posterior teeth.
Dr. Manoj Patil ensures that the right crown is delivered to you.
How does a crown feel and how it should be taken care of?
Whenever a crown is placed in the mouth, you may feel awkward for some time. However, as time passes you get used to the crowns and bridges. The post-operative care for a crown is done in the following ways:
- Clean your crowns just like your natural teeth.
- Do not bite very hard food. Do not try to break the shells of nuts with the crowns.
- Do not eat very sticky food like chewing gums etc. This could lead to dislodgement of the crown in the long run.
- Whenever your crown comes out, bring it immediately to your dentist and get it refixed.