Crowns are commonly known as “caps.”
They are a tooth-shaped restoration that looks like a cap placed over damaged, fractured, or weakened and decayed teeth to restore a tooth’s function, shape, and strength. Cosmetic crowns can also improve a tooth’s shape for cosmetic reasons.
Other reasons in which a crown is needed are:
- To protect a weak or damaged tooth from breaking
- To restore a broken or severely worn down and decayed tooth
- To cover and support a tooth with a large filling
- To restore a dental implant
- To improve the appearance of misshapen or discolored teeth
There are many different materials in which a crown can be made out of. The materials include traditional porcelain fused to metal crowns, gold crowns, or ceramic crowns.
Types of Crowns
Porcelain fused to metal crowns (PFM)
These are more traditional crowns in which there’s a metal inner layer and the outside layer of porcelain is fused to the metal. Usually these crowns require more tooth structure reduction to create adequate space for two layers of material. There are instances where a PFM crown would be recommended over the other type of crowns, however they are slowing being phased out by new ceramic dental crowns.
Full Gold Crown (FGC)
Still the gold standard for crowns. Gold is considered the most biological compatible material, and last the longest due to gold having the best fit around the tooth. Gold wears nearly the same rate as natural teeth, so it would not excessively wear down the opposing natural tooth. In addition, because it’s a single layer of material, less reduction of the tooth would be needed. The cons are that it may not be aesthetically pleasing due to the gold color and the cost is higher due to the cost of gold.
Ceramic crowns
There are many types of ceramic crowns, and they have become the most popular choice for crowns. Ceramic crowns are completely tooth colored without any metal in the inside, providing a very aesthetic result. The most common type of ceramic crown materials area porcelain fused to zirconia, full zirconia crowns, and lithium disilicate. The use of each type of ceramic crowns is based on the needs of the individual tooth. Ceramic crowns are very strong, however, they will need a certain thickness to obtain that strength. To obtain the adequate amount of thickness in the crown, it usually means the underlying tooth structure will have to be reduced a bit more depending on the type of ceramic crown.
Crowns are considered indirect restorations because it is fabricated outside the mouth and consists of two appointments. At the first appointment Dr. Eric will prepare the tooth by removing any decay or damage and shaping it to accommodate the crown. Then a final impression or 3D scan is taken of the tooth and sent to the lab for a custom made crown. The crown will be tailored made to fit the tooth, however some minor adjustments may be necessary at the time of delivery. A temporary crown made out of acrylic will be placed onto the tooth before the end of the appointment in order to protect the underlying tooth structure while the permanent crown is being made in the lab.
The second appointment is to deliver the permanent crown, and it is usually in about two weeks. During the second visit, the temporary crown will be removed, and the permanent crown will be fitted and cemented in place. Dr. Eric will make any necessary adjustments to ensure that the crown fits comfortably and functions properly.
Bridges
Dental bridges are used to replace missing teeth. Bridges are usually made usually made up of two or more crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap (known as abutment teeth) with a false tooth (known as pontic) in between. The bridge is then cemented or bonded onto the abutment teeth, effectively “bridging” the gap created by the missing teeth. Like crowns, there are many materials in which a bridge can be made out of. Bridges are typically made of porcelain fused to metal or ceramic materials, and are anchored to the abutment teeth using dental cement and are effective at replacing one or two missing teeth.
However, dental bridges are not without some contraindications. Below are some listed pros and cons of using a bridge to replace missing teeth:
Pros:
Improved appearance
Dental bridges can fill in gaps caused by missing teeth, giving patients a more natural-looking smile and boosting their confidence.
Improved speech
Missing teeth can cause speech difficulties, and bridges can help patients speak more clearly.
Improved chewing ability
Bridges can help restore a patient’s ability to chew and eat properly, which can improve their overall health and well-being.
Preservation of remaining teeth
Bridges can help prevent the remaining teeth from shifting out of place, which can lead to bite problems, gum disease, and other dental issues.
Affordable
Compared to other tooth replacement options, dental bridges can be a more cost-effective option for some patients.
Does not require surgery
Compared to treatment options such as implants, bridges can replace a missing tooth without the need of surgery, which results in a faster restoration period.
Cons:
Requires alteration of natural teeth
To place a dental bridge, the abutment teeth on either side of the gap must be prepared by removing some tooth structure. This can compromise the strength and health of those teeth.
Potential for periodontal disease
Since bridges are all connected together in one unit, the area underneath the bridge would be harder to clean. Having inadequate hygiene in the area may negatively impact the gums and bone surrounding the supporting teeth of the bridge, which can lead to periodontal disease and the weakening and eventual potential loss of teeth
Potential for decay
Since bridges are all connected together in one unit, the area underneath the pontic of a dental bridge can be difficult to clean. With inadequate cleaning, it can lead to decay on the supporting abutment teeth. In order to treat the decay, the entire bridge would need to be removed and replaced.
Possible sensitivity
Patients may experience sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures or pressure after getting a dental bridge, especially in the early stages.
Overall, dental bridges are an effective way to replace missing teeth and can help restore a patient’s smile and ability to chew and speak properly. However, like any dental procedure, they do have some risks and limitations.