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Dental crowns and bridges are quite common operations that are performed in the dental clinic. Their major goal is to restore a tooth or teeth to full chewing function. Crowns and bridges are both fixed prosthetic devices, but they also differ in many aspects. Unlike detachable devices such as dentures, which have to be removed and cleaned regularly, crowns and bridges are fixed onto existing teeth or implants and can only be removed by a dentist.
What is a Dental Crown?
A crown, often known as a cap, is a type of dental treatment that replaces the tooth's outer layer of enamel with a new material. A tooth crown is curved and sized similarly to a natural tooth, and it makes normal contact with the opposing tooth, allowing food to be properly eaten. When it comes to function, a crown should feel like a regular tooth. It can also look like a perfectly natural tooth, depending on the material used for the crown. Consult with the best dentist in Kolkata to get help regarding dental care.
How do crowns work?
A crown is used to completely cover or "cap" a broken or damaged tooth. A tooth crown can be used to improve a tooth's look, shape, or alignment in addition to reinforcing it. It is also used to offer a tooth-like shape and structure to a dental implant crown. Crowns can be made up of different materials like porcelain or ceramic, porcelain fused to metal, metal and gold. Nowadays, gold is rarely used for crowns because they are very expensive and secondly they don’t look natural.
While porcelain or ceramic crowns are more preferred as they are both sturdy and aesthetic i.e., the colour can be matched to the natural tooth.
A crown may be recommended by a dentist to:
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Replace a huge filling if there is not enough tooth left.
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Prevent a weak tooth from breaking.
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Restore a shattered tooth.
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Offer a tooth-like shape and structure to an implant.
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Cover a stained or poorly formed tooth.
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Cover a root canal treatment.
What is a Dental Bridge?
A bridge is a fixed dental prosthesis because it is bonded to the teeth, replaces one or more missing teeth but not all of them, and employs a false tooth or teeth instead. When there are healthy teeth on either side of the missing tooth, a bridge is utilised to replace one or more missing teeth.
The bridge completely encases the neighbouring teeth, known as retainers, much like a crown completely encases a single tooth.
For a single missing tooth, a bridge would consist of three units: one for a missing tooth, and one for each adjacent tooth. The same materials that were mentioned above for crowns can also be used to make bridges.
How do bridges work?
If someone has one or more missing teeth, a bridge may be suggested, otherwise with time, the remaining adjacent teeth progressively rotate or shift into the empty areas left by the missing teeth, resulting in a poor bite. Gum disease loosening of teeth and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) may result from the imbalance caused by missing teeth.
Bridges are typically used to replace a lost tooth or teeth. They fill the gap left by missing teeth. Bridges are attached to the natural teeth or implants that surround the gap. These teeth, known as abutments, function as bridge anchors. A pontic, or substitute tooth, is affixed to the crowns that cover the abutments. Bridges, like crowns, come in different materials. Based on the location of the lost tooth (or teeth), its function, aesthetic considerations, and cost, the dentist can help select which to use. Bridges made of porcelain or ceramic can be customised to match the colour of the natural teeth.
How are crowns and bridges made?
Before the fabrication of a crown or bridge, the dentist first reduces the size of the tooth or teeth to ensure a proper fit. An impression is then taken to create an accurate mould for the restoration. If porcelain is chosen, the dentist determines the appropriate shade to match the existing teeth. Using this impression, a dental lab creates the crown or bridge with the specified material. While the permanent restoration is being made, a temporary crown or bridge is placed to cover the prepared tooth. Finally, the temporary restoration is removed, and the permanent crown or bridge is cemented onto the prepared tooth or teeth. Get the best dental care services at the best dental hospital in Kolkata with our specialised crowns and bridge treatments.
How long do crowns and bridges last?
Even though crowns and bridges are designed to last a lifetime, they occasionally get loose or fall out. To protect the longevity of your crown or bridge, maintaining good oral hygiene is the most crucial measure you can take. If the bones or teeth supporting a bridge in place are harmed by dental disease, the bridge may become unsupportable. Brush twice daily and floss once every day to maintain healthy gums and teeth. Regular checks and cleanings with your dentist and hygienist are also recommended.
Dental crowns and bridges are fixed prostheses used to restore teeth to full chewing function. Crowns are caps that replace the outer layer of enamel and can improve the appearance, shape, or alignment of a tooth. They can also be used to attach a bridge or cover a dental implant. Bridges are used to replace one or more missing teeth by joining crowns to a false tooth. Both crowns and bridges come in different materials and are made by taking an impression and creating a permanent restoration. Good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups are essential for the longevity of crowns and bridges.
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