Dental Crowns and Bridges: Restoring Function and Beauty to Your Smile
A healthy, confident smile plays a significant role in our overall appearance, self-esteem, and oral function. When teeth are damaged or missing, everyday activities like chewing, speaking, and smiling can become uncomfortable. That’s where dental crowns and bridges come in — two of the most reliable and widely used restorative solutions in modern dentistry.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that is placed over a damaged, decayed, or weakened tooth. It restores the tooth’s shape, strength, function, and appearance.
- To restore a broken or worn-down tooth
- After a root canal treatment
- To cover a large filling
- To protect a weak tooth from fracturing
- To cover a dental implant
- For cosmetic enhancement of discolored or misshaped teeth
Types of Dental Crowns
Single sitting root canal is suitable in cases such as:
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) – Strong and aesthetic, commonly used
- All-Ceramic/All-Porcelain – Best for front teeth, offers natural appearance
- Zirconia Crowns – Highly durable and aesthetic, ideal for all areas of the mouth
- Metal Crowns (Gold or Alloy) – Extremely strong, often used for back molars
- Temporary Crowns – Used while waiting for the permanent crown
What is a Dental Bridge?
- Traditional Bridge – Supported by crowns on both sides of the gap
- Cantilever Bridge – Supported by a crown on only one side
- Maryland Bridge – Attached to the back of adjacent teeth using metal or porcelain wings
- Implant-Supported Bridge – Anchored on dental implants instead of natural teeth
Types of Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is a prosthetic device used to replace one or more missing teeth. It literally “bridges” the gap between natural teeth using artificial teeth anchored in place by crowns on adjacent teeth.
When is a Bridge Recommended?
- To replace missing teeth and restore full chewing ability
- To prevent shifting of nearby teeth into the gap
- To maintain facial shape and prevent bone loss
- To improve speech and smile aesthetics
Procedure for Crowns and Bridges
- Consultation and Examination - Dentist evaluates the tooth or gap with X-rays and impressions.
- Tooth Preparation - The supporting tooth/teeth are shaped to hold the crown or bridge.
- Impression and Temporary Crown - A mold is taken and sent to a dental lab. A temporary crown or bridge is placed.
- Permanent Crown or Bridge Placement - The final prosthesis is fixed with dental cement or bonded permanently.
Benefits of Crowns and Bridges
- Restore proper chewing and speaking ability
- Maintain the natural alignment of teeth
- Improve the appearance of your smile
- Provide long-lasting strength and durability
- Prevent further dental complications from tooth loss
