Crown and Bridge
Why Dr Dilmohit Singh
Crown and bridge procedures are common dental treatments used to restore and protect teeth. Here’s an overview of crowns and bridges, including their indications and materials:
- Crowns (Caps):
- In layman’s terms, a crown is often referred to as a cap.
- Crowns are custom-made prosthetic covers that are cemented onto natural teeth or root canal-treated teeth to protect them from damage.
- They are also used to cover dental implants and can be applied to weak teeth, such as those affected by conditions like amelogenesis imperfecta or dentinogenesis imperfecta, which involve enamel and dentin defects.
- Crowns can improve the appearance of teeth that are badly shaped or discolored.
- There are different materials used for crowns:
- 1. Metal Crowns: These crowns are durable, require less tooth preparation, and are cost-effective but may lack aesthetic appeal.
- 2. Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM) Crowns: PFM crowns offer a balance between durability and aesthetics. They have a metal substructure covered with porcelain for better appearance.
- 3. All-Ceramic Crowns: Options like Zirconia and E-max crowns provide better aesthetics but may have different strengths and translucency:
- Zirconia Crowns: Known for high strength and are somewhat opaque, suitable for long-span bridges.
- E-max Crowns (Lithium Disilicate): E-max crowns have life-like translucency but may not possess the same strength as zirconia crowns.
- Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures):
- A bridge, or fixed partial denture, is a dental prosthesis that is permanently attached to natural teeth, tooth roots, or dental implants.
- Bridges are used to replace missing teeth and restore function and appearance in partially edentulous arches (areas with some missing teeth).
- Unlike removable dentures, bridges cannot be removed by the patient.
- Similar to crowns, bridges can be made from different materials:
- 1. All-Metal Bridges: These are strong and durable but lack the aesthetic value.
- 2. Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM) Bridges: PFM bridges combine strength with improved aesthetics due to the porcelain covering.
- 3. All-Ceramic Bridges: All-ceramic bridges, like zirconia or E-max, prioritize aesthetics and may be a suitable choice for replacing missing teeth while maintaining a natural look.
- Both crowns and bridges are valuable dental treatments that help restore and protect teeth, improving both function and appearance. The choice of material depends on individual patient needs, including considerations of strength, aesthetics, and the location of the restoration in the mouth. Dentists like Dr. Dilmohit Singh can assess each patient’s unique situation and recommend the most appropriate treatment.