What Are Dental Crowns And Tooth Bridges?

September 6, 2024sekharsoral health

Dental crowns and tooth bridges are two popular solutions for restoring your smile and maintaining oral health. These dental prosthetics not only improve the appearance of your teeth but also restore their function. Whether you’ve damaged or lost a tooth, it’s important to understand what dental crowns and bridges are, how they work, and when they might be necessary. 

What Are Dental Crowns? 

A dental crown, often called a “cap”, is a custom-made covering that fits over a damaged or decayed tooth. Crowns are created to design the tooth’s shape, size, color, and appearance. They can be made from various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of these materials.

When Are Dental Crowns Needed? 

Dental crowns are recommended in several situations, including:

• Protecting a Weak Tooth: If a tooth has been weakened by decay or a large filling, a crown can help protect it from breaking.
• Restoring a Broken or Worn-Down Tooth: Crowns can be used to rebuild and protect a tooth that is broken, chipped, or severely worn down.
• Covering a Dental Implant: Crowns are used to cover dental implants, which are artificial tooth roots placed in the jawbone.
• Improving Appearance: A crown can cover a misshapen or severely discolored tooth, improving its appearance.
• Supporting a Dental Bridge: Crowns are used to hold a dental bridge in place when replacing missing teeth.

What Are Tooth Bridges? 

A tooth bridge, commonly referred to simply as a bridge, is a dental restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth. Bridges are anchored by crowns placed on the teeth adjacent to the gap, known as abutment teeth, with a false tooth (or teeth) in between, called a pontic.

Types of Tooth Bridges

There are several types of dental bridges:

• Traditional Bridges: The most common type, traditional bridges involve creating a crown for the tooth or implant on either side of the missing tooth, with a pontic in between.
• Cantilever Bridges: These are used when only one adjacent tooth is adjacent to the gap. The pontic is attached to a single crown.
• Maryland Bridges: Also known as a resin-bonded bridge, this type uses a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the backs of the adjacent teeth.

When Are Tooth Bridges Needed?

Bridges are commonly recommended when: 

• One or More Teeth Are Missing: A bridge can replace one or more missing teeth, restoring your smile and the ability to chew and speak properly.
• Preventing Teeth from Shifting: When a tooth is lost, the surrounding teeth may shift into the empty space, causing bite problems and other issues. A bridge can help prevent this.
• Maintaining Facial Structure: Missing teeth can cause your facial structure to change over time. A bridge can help maintain your natural face shape by filling the gap.

Benefits of Dental Crowns and Bridges

Both crowns and bridges offer several benefits that can significantly improve your dental health and quality of life:

• Restored Function: Both crowns and bridges restore the function of your teeth, allowing you to chew and speak properly.
• Improved Appearance: These dental restorations can improve the appearance of your smile by covering damaged teeth or filling gaps left by missing teeth.
• Durability: Crowns and bridges are durable and can last for many years with proper care, making them a long-term solution for dental restoration.
• Protection: Crowns protect damaged teeth from further decay or injury, while bridges prevent the remaining teeth from shifting out of place.

The Process of Getting Dental Crowns and Bridges

The process of getting a dental crown or bridge typically involves a few visits to the dentist:

1. Consultation and Examination: Your dentist will examine your teeth and determine whether a crown or bridge is the best solution. They will also discuss the materials that can be used for your restoration.
2. Preparation: The tooth receiving a crown will be filed down to make room for the crown. If you’re getting a bridge, the adjacent teeth will be prepared for crowns as well.
3. Impressions: The dentist will take an impression of your teeth to create a custom crown or bridge that fits perfectly.
4. Temporary Crown or Bridge: While your permanent crown or bridge is being made, a temporary one will be placed to protect your teeth.
5. Permanent Placement: Once the permanent crown or bridge is ready, it will be placed, adjusted for a perfect fit, and cemented in place.

Dental Crowns and Bridges in Hyderabad

If you’re considering dental crowns and bridges in Hyderabad ,it’s important to consult with a qualified dentist who can assess your needs and provide the best possible treatment. Dr.Sekhar’s Dental Implant Center is one of Hyderabad’s best dental hospitals and clinics, and it is renowned for its expertise in dental implants, including Crowns, Dentures, general dentistry, We are also well known for our proficiency in Pediatric Dentistry.

Caring for Your Dental Crowns and Bridges

Taking care of your dental crowns and bridges is essential to ensuring their longevity. Here are some tips:

• Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth twice daily and floss daily to keep your gums and teeth healthy.
• Avoid Hard Foods: Avoid chewing on objects like ice or candy that could damage your crown or bridge.
• Regular Dental Check-ups: Visit your dentist regularly to check the condition of your crowns and bridges and address any issues early on.

Dental crowns and bridges effectively restore damaged or missing teeth, helping you maintain a healthy, functional, and beautiful smile. If you’re looking for reliable and high-quality dental crowns and bridges in Hyderabad, schedule a consultation with Dr. Sekhar’s Dental Clinic. Your journey to a restored smile and better oral health starts with the right dental care.