Crowns
A crown, also known as a dental cap, is a customized cap created to cover a patient’s tooth. Crowns are used to restore a tooth to its natural size, shape and color after a large filling or crack in the tooth has compromised the tooth. Crowns are almost always placed after root canal treatment because the tooth becomes weak and is likely to fracture. A crown will strengthen and protect what remains of the tooth and will improve your smile. Crowns are made of a variety of different materials, from traditional all ceramic and metal crowns to very strong materials such as zirconia. Ceramic crowns offer the advantage of blending in better with the natural teeth. Metal crowns, such as gold or platinum alloys, are more visible but offer superior durability and are often used on molars near the back of the mouth.
In order for the crown to be placed on the tooth, 1-2mm of the tooth must be taken away and an impression must be made of the tooth. A temporary is placed on your tooth and will be replaced with your crown when it arrives (usually about 5 business days). When the crown is placed sometimes it needs to be adjusted a little to make the proper fit. After it is adjusted it is cemented to your tooth and is a permanent solution.
With proper care, crowns can last up to 10 or even 15 years. Hard candies, ice, or chewy foods should be avoided to prevent damage to the crown. Grinding teeth can also wear down a crown, so if you have this habit it is recommended to look into wearing mouth guards at night.
Bridges
An alternative to an implant is a dental bridge, which is designed to fill gaps where teeth may be missing. There are many types of bridges which differ by how the bridge is secured into place.
Fixed bridges are applied by either placing crowns on the neighboring teeth or by bonding the artificial teeth directly to the neighboring teeth. An abutment tooth is a healthy tooth that receives a crown in order to support and secure the bridge.
Removable bridges are attached to the teeth with metal clasps or by precision attachments.
If you’re missing one or more teeth, you may be aware of their importance to your appearance and dental health. Your teeth work together for many daily functions from eating to speaking. With missing teeth, it’s difficult to do these things. Missing teeth can and should be replaced. Fixed bridges are a great way to restore your dental health and appearance.
With proper care, bridges should last for 10 years. Just like your natural teeth, brushing and flossing your bridge needs to be added to your daily oral hygiene routine.