If something unfortunate happens to your teeth, it is important to consult, your dentist to minimize the impact on your entire mouth. Missing teeth can allow the surrounding teeth to become displaced. Cracked or damaged teeth should be fixed to save as much of the tooth as possible.
By taking care of dental problems immediately, you minimize the risk of future problems.
Crowns, also known as caps, restore damaged teeth and mimics the shape, size and color of the surrounding teeth. Crowns are indicated for cracked teeth and teeth with deep cavities; to protect teeth that have been filled by root-canal treatment; to provide extra support for bridges; and to cover poorly shaped or discolored teeth. Crowns may be made of metal, porcelain, or newer restorative materials like metal free ceramics. They are custom-made and fitted for each patient in conformation with the size and length of the natural teeth. Crowns typically last five to eight years, but can last much longer with proper oral hygiene. Crowns can be made of a variety of materials. They can be made of plastic, ceramic or metal alloys. A combination of metal and ceramic is also possible to maximize strength and simulate the appearance of natural teeth.
The teeth to be crowned are prepared which involves reduction of the tooth size (usually under local anaesthesia) followed by an impression or mould of the prepared tooth. This trimming of the tooth is required to create space for the crown to be fitted. The mould taken is then sent to a laboratory where skilled technicians will fabricate the crown. In the meanwhile, a temporary crown is made and fitted onto the trimmed tooth.
A bridge stabilizes the bite of a patient who is missing one or more teeth. Bridges prevent the surrounding teeth from moving or shifting in the mouth. A missing tooth that is not replaced may cause surrounding teeth to become unstable and require removal, compromising oral health or change the shape of the face and diminish the beauty of a smile.
Unlike partial dentures, bridges are permanent; patients need not remove them. The missing tooth is replaced with an artificial tooth connected between two crowns (caps), which are permanently cemented or bonded on the adjacent teeth.
Bridges can be used to replace a small number of missing teeth if the neighboring teeth are sufficiently strong. The number of missing teeth, condition of the neighboring teeth, condition of the supporting gums and bone are all important factors which need to be assessed prior to making a bridge.
Crowns and bridges can me made of different materials ranging from basic white metals to ceramics and precious metals. A combination of the above metals is done to make various types of crowns and bridges.