Crown and Bridges

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Crown and Bridges

Crowns and bridges are dental prosthetic devices that are used to restore or replace damaged or missing teeth. Here's a brief overview of each:

Dental Crowns:

• A dental crown, often referred to as a "cap," is a custom-made covering that fits over the entire tooth.
• Crowns are used to restore the shape, size, strength, and appearance of a tooth that has been damaged due to decay, trauma, or other factors.
• They can be made from various materials, including metal alloys, porcelain fused to metal, all-ceramic or all-porcelain, and resin.

Dental Bridges:

• A dental bridge is a fixed dental restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth.
• It consists of two or more crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap (abutment teeth) and a false tooth or teeth in between (pontic).
• Bridges are anchored to the natural teeth or dental implants adjacent to the empty space, filling the gap and restoring both function and appearance.
• Like crowns, bridges can be made from various materials, including metal alloys, porcelain fused to metal, and all-ceramic or all-porcelain.

Procedure:

• Both crowns and bridges usually require multiple visits to the dentist.
• For crowns, the dentist will first prepare the tooth by removing the outer portion, taking impressions, and placing a temporary crown. The permanent crown is later fabricated in a dental laboratory and cemented onto the prepared tooth during a subsequent visit.
• For bridges, the adjacent teeth are prepared similarly to crowns. Impressions are taken, and a temporary bridge may be placed. The permanent bridge is created in a dental lab and then cemented onto the prepared teeth during a subsequent visit.

Benefits:

• Crowns: Protect and strengthen damaged teeth, improve tooth appearance, and support dental bridges.
• Bridges: Replace missing teeth, restore the ability to chew and speak properly, maintain facial shape, and distribute bite forces.

Care and Maintenance:

• Good oral hygiene practices, including regular brushing and flossing, are essential to maintain the longevity of crowns and bridges.
• Regular dental check-ups are important to ensure that the crowns and bridges are in good condition and to address any issues promptly.
• It's important to consult with a dentist to determine the most appropriate treatment based on individual dental needs and conditions.