Understanding Dental Crowns

A dental crown is a restoration that is used to cap or rebuild the entire surface of a tooth above the gumline. It is often necessary to restore the shape and strength of a tooth after it has been damaged by an accident or a cavity. Crowns are also recommended following a root canal procedure when a natural tooth is likely to become brittle and weak. After the placement of a dental implant post, a dental crown is connected to represent the upper portion of a single tooth.

Understanding Dental Bridges

When multiple crowns (usually 3) are linked together to extend from one natural tooth to another, across the space of a missing tooth, the restoration is known as a dental bridge. As it permanently replaces teeth that are missing, a bridge recreates a more ideal biting relationship. An upper tooth and a lower tooth must work together as a team to perform basic biting functions. When a tooth is missing, leaving its ‘partner’ without a mate, your chewing efficiency is immediately decreased. A bridge enables you to chew more efficiently.

The Anatomy of Dental Crowns and Bridges

Both crowns and bridges are fully customized to fit into your mouth and compliment your dental needs. This means that your dentist will personally select the material and specifications for your crown or bridge, based on professional expertise and your personal preferences. High-grade porcelain or ceramic are often used to make crowns and bridges for patients who prefer the very best cosmetic outcome. Porcelain and ceramic are the materials that most closely resemble real enamel. These materials are also ideal for patients with metal sensitivities or allergies. For additional strength, we might recommend a porcelain-coated metal crown or bridge. Known as porcelain-fused-to-metal, these restorations are stronger than all-porcelain crowns, while maintaining a natural appearance. The strongest and most durable material for a crown or a bridge is gold. A full-metal restoration does not blend or match the natural teeth but has incredible integrity and is not vulnerable to fracturing like porcelain products. Metal restorations are typically reserved for the back teeth where they are not easily visible and for teeth which require maximum strength.