Crown and Bridge: How They Restore Your Smile Effectively

What Are Crowns and Bridges?

Crowns and bridges are prosthetic dental devices designed to restore the function and appearance of your teeth.

• Dental Crowns: A crown is a cap-like structure placed over a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and aesthetic appearance. Crowns are commonly used for teeth that are cracked, severely decayed, or after root canal treatment.
  
  
• Dental Bridges: A bridge is a dental prosthesis used to replace one or more missing teeth. It consists of artificial teeth anchored by crowns placed on the adjacent natural teeth or implants. Bridges “bridge the gap” created by missing teeth, restoring both function and aesthetics.
  
  

Why Choose Crowns and Bridges?

Dental crowns and bridges are essential for maintaining oral health, improving appearance, and restoring dental functionality. Their benefits include:

1. Restoring Functionality

Missing or damaged teeth can make chewing difficult, leading to improper digestion and nutritional issues. Crowns and bridges restore your ability to chew and speak properly.

2. Enhancing Aesthetics

A missing or damaged tooth can affect your smile’s appearance. Crowns and bridges are custom-designed to match the colour, shape, and size of your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless and natural look.

3. Preventing Dental Issues

When a tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth may shift into the gap, leading to misalignment and bite problems. Crowns and bridges help maintain the alignment of your teeth and prevent further complications.

4. Durability and Longevity

With proper care, crowns and bridges can last for many years. They are made from strong and durable materials like porcelain, ceramic, or metal, ensuring they withstand daily wear and tear.

Types of Crowns and Bridges

Choosing the right type of crown or bridge depends on your specific needs, budget, and the recommendation of your dentist.

Types of Crowns

• Porcelain or Ceramic Crowns: Ideal for front teeth due to their natural appearance and ability to blend with existing teeth.
• Metal Crowns: Extremely durable and ideal for molars, which endure heavy chewing forces.
• Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns: Combine the strength of metal with the aesthetics of porcelain, offering a balance between durability and appearance.
• Zirconia Crowns: Known for their strength and natural appearance, zirconia crowns are a popular choice for both front and back teeth.

Types of Bridges

• Traditional Bridges: Supported by crowns placed on the natural teeth adjacent to the gap.
• Cantilever Bridges: Supported by a crown on only one adjacent tooth, suitable for areas with minimal stress.
• Maryland Bridges: Use a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the back of the adjacent teeth, preserving more of the natural tooth structure.
• Implant-Supported Bridges: Anchored to dental implants instead of natural teeth, offering superior stability and longevity.

The Process of Getting Crowns and Bridges

Step 1: Consultation and Examination

The process begins with a thorough examination to assess your dental health and determine the best treatment option. X-rays and impressions may be taken to create a customised treatment plan.

Step 2: Tooth Preparation

For crowns, the damaged tooth is reshaped to accommodate the crown. For bridges, the adjacent teeth are prepared to support the bridge.

Step 3: Impression and Fabrication

An impression of your teeth is taken to create a custom crown or bridge that fits perfectly. Temporary crowns or bridges may be placed to protect the teeth while the permanent prosthesis is being made.

Step 4: Placement and Adjustment

Once the permanent crown or bridge is ready, it is cemented into place. The dentist ensures a proper fit, making any necessary adjustments to ensure comfort and functionality.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Crowns and Bridges

Several factors influence the cost of crown and bridge treatments, including:

1. Material Used: Porcelain and zirconia crowns are generally more expensive than metal ones due to their superior aesthetics.
2. Number of Teeth: The cost increases with the number of teeth involved in the restoration.
3. Complexity of the Procedure: More complex cases may require additional steps or specialised techniques, impacting the cost.
4. Location of the Clinic: Dental costs can vary depending on the location and reputation of the clinic.

At White Perfect Dental, we provide transparent pricing and flexible payment options to make high-quality dental care accessible to everyone.

Maintenance and Aftercare

Proper care and maintenance are essential to ensure the longevity of your crowns and bridges. Follow these tips to keep your dental restorations in excellent condition:

1. Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Brush twice a day and floss daily to prevent plaque buildup around the crowns and bridges.
2. Avoid Hard Foods: Avoid chewing hard foods like ice or hard candies to prevent damage to the crowns or bridges.
3. Regular Dental Check-Ups: Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and to monitor the condition of your restorations.

Wear a Night Guard: If you grind your teeth at night, use a night guard to protect your crowns and bridges.