Dental crowns and bridges are essential restorative dentistry solutions designed to repair damaged teeth and replace missing ones. Crowns, also known as caps, are custom-made prosthetic devices that encase and strengthen a weakened or decayed tooth, restoring its function, appearance, and durability. Bridges, conversely, consist of artificial teeth (pontics) supported by dental crowns or implants that bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth.
These restorative solutions offer many benefits, including restored oral function, enhanced aesthetics, preserved oral health, and longevity, ultimately revitalizing smiles, improving oral health, and boosting confidence.
The Procedure for Dental Crowns
- Our dentist in Fowler, IN, prepares the tooth receiving the crown by removing any decayed or damaged portions and shaping it to accommodate the restoration. Impressions or digital scans of the prepared tooth and surrounding teeth are then taken to ensure a precise fit.
- If the permanent crown is fabricated in a dental laboratory, a temporary crown may be placed over the prepared tooth to protect it and maintain proper function and aesthetics. If the crown is fabricated in the dental office, there is no need for a temporary crown.
- The permanent crown is fabricated using the impressions or digital scans and designed to match the size, shape, and color of natural teeth. Advanced technologies, such as computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM), can be utilized for same-day crowns.
- Once the permanent crown is ready, it is bonded securely onto the prepared tooth using dental cement. Our dentist at Sheets Family Dentistry ensures proper fit, alignment, and bite function before finalizing the placement.
Types of Dental Crowns
Porcelain Crowns
- Porcelain crowns are known for their natural appearance and ability to mimic the translucency and color of natural teeth.
- They are an excellent choice for front teeth or prominent areas due to their aesthetic appeal.
- Porcelain crowns are durable and resistant to staining, making them popular for cosmetic dental restorations. Contact us today to learn more!
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) Crowns
- PFM crowns consist of a metal substructure covered with a layer of porcelain.
- They offer the strength and durability of metal combined with the aesthetic benefits of porcelain.
- PFM crowns are versatile and suitable for both front and back teeth, providing a balance of strength and aesthetics.
All-Metal Crowns
- All-metal crowns are made from gold, palladium, or nickel-chromium alloys.
- They are highly durable and resistant to wear, making them an excellent choice for molars and teeth subjected to heavy biting forces.
- While less aesthetically pleasing than porcelain crowns, all-metal crowns offer superior strength and longevity.
All-Ceramic Crowns
- All-ceramic crowns are crafted from a single block of ceramic material, such as zirconia or lithium disilicate.
- They combine strength, durability, and aesthetics, making them ideal for restoring teeth in visible areas.
- All-ceramic crowns are metal-free, making them an excellent option for patients with metal allergies or sensitivities.
Composite Resin Crowns
- Composite resin crowns are made from a tooth-colored resin material bonded directly to the tooth.
- They are less expensive than other types of crowns and can be fabricated in a single dental visit using chairside CAD/CAM technology.
- While not as durable as porcelain or metal crowns, composite resin crowns offer a conservative and cost-effective option for restoring teeth in less visible areas.
The Procedure for Dental Bridges
- The adjacent teeth that will serve as abutments for the bridge are prepared by removing a portion of enamel to accommodate the dental crowns. Impressions or digital scans are then taken to create an accurate model of the teeth and surrounding structures.
- The custom bridge, including the pontics and crowns, is fabricated using these impressions or digital scans. The bridge is meticulously crafted to ensure proper fit, function, and aesthetics.
- If the permanent bridge is being fabricated off-site, a temporary bridge may be placed to protect the prepared teeth and maintain proper alignment.
- Once the permanent bridge in Fowler, IN, is ready, it is carefully positioned and bonded onto the prepared teeth using dental cement. The dentist ensures proper fit, occlusion, and aesthetics before finalizing the placement.
Types of Dental Bridges
Traditional Bridges
- Traditional bridges consist of one or more artificial teeth (pontics) anchored to adjacent natural teeth, known as abutments.
- Dental crowns placed over the abutment teeth hold the pontics in place, creating a solid and stable bridge.
- Traditional bridges are suitable when the adjacent teeth are strong and healthy enough to support the bridge.
Cantilever Bridges
- Cantilever bridges are similar to traditional bridges but are supported by adjacent teeth on only one side.
- They are used when only one adjacent tooth is available to support the bridge, such as when a tooth has been extracted or lost.
Maryland Bridges
- Maryland bridges consist of pontics attached to adjacent teeth using metal or porcelain wings bonded to the back of the teeth.
- Unlike traditional bridges, Maryland bridges do not require the preparation of adjacent teeth for dental crowns, making them a more conservative option.
- They are often used to replace front teeth or when the adjacent teeth cannot support a traditional bridge.
Implant-Supported Bridges
- Implant-supported bridges are anchored to dental implants surgically placed in the jawbone, eliminating the need for adjacent natural teeth to support the bridge.
- They offer several advantages, including improved stability, longevity, and preservation of jawbone density.
- Implant-supported bridges are suitable for replacing multiple missing teeth or when the adjacent teeth are not strong enough to support a traditional bridge.
Dental crowns and bridges play pivotal roles in restorative dentistry, offering effective solutions for repairing damaged teeth and replacing missing ones. Visit Sheets Family Dentistry at 98 S 100 E, Suite B, Fowler, IN 47944, or call (765) 884-0018 to explore the options of dental crowns and bridges with our experienced team.