Dental crowns cover injured, discolored, or cracked teeth; bridges fill spaces after dental extractions. They protect teeth from further injuries or damages.
Crowns
Crowns are also called caps. Extensive decay, fractures or root canal therapy are common indications for a crown restoration. Crowns may be made of noble alloys, porcelain or a combination of the two (porcelain fused to metal). The dentist will help you decide which materials are best for each situation.
During the first visit, the tooth is prepared and an impression taken. A temporary crown is placed over the tooth, and the impression is sent to a dental laboratory for crown fabrication. On the second visit, the fit and esthetics are checked by the dentist and patient, the crown is cemented.
Bridges
A bridge is a non-removable prosthesis which replaces one or more missing teeth. Bridges restore functionality and esthetics. Materials used are noble alloys, porcelain or porcelain fused to metal.
A bridge is composed of abutments and pontics. Abutments are the supports for the bridge and consist of crowns placed on the teeth neighboring the empty space. The pontics are special crowns that span across the empty space and connect to the abutments.
During the first visit, the abutment teeth are prepared and an impression is taken. A temporary bridge is made to to protect the teeth and the impression sent to a dental laboratory for fabrication of the bridge. At the next visit, the bridge is tried-in. After the fit and esthetics are approved, the bridge is cemented.
