A crown or cap is a dental treatment that strengthens or improves the appearance of a tooth by covering its visible surface. A bridge is a type of dental treatment used to restore one or more teeth that are missing. It includes an artificial tooth or teeth to support the crowns on either side. There are a variety of materials available for crowns and bridges that are designed to complement the shape and strength of the teeth.

Implants such as crowns and bridges are two of the most often used in dentistry nowadays. A dentist can help you acquire the dental crowns or bridges you need to give you a smile you can be proud of, as they are often used to help patients restore their smiles.

Different Types of Crowns and Bridges

Crowns consist of metal, porcelain bonded to metal, or porcelain alone. They’re usually made in a lab. Numerous types of bridges can be made:

Cantilever Bridges

If there are only adjacent teeth on one side of a lost tooth or teeth, cantilever bridges are the best option. Using this method in the back of the mouth can place too much pressure on adjacent teeth and cause them to be damaged.

Maryland Bridges

This type of bridge (also known as resin-bonded bridges) comprises teeth and gums supported by a metal or porcelain framework. The bridge’s metal or porcelain wings are bonded to your natural teeth on one side alone.

Traditional Bridges

Traditional bridges need the creation of a crown for the tooth or implant on either side of the gap, with a pontic in between. Porcelain-fused-to-metal or ceramic-based bridges are the most popular types of bridges.

Signs You Need Dental Crowns and Bridges

Teeth that are cracked or damaged, discolored or misshapen, and vulnerable to decay because of fillings or root canal therapy may need dental caps (crowns) cover the surface. In other cases, crowns are used to support a dental bridge or build a crown over an implant in the bone.

A bridge is used to replace one or more missing teeth. Preventing the neighboring teeth from changing position can help maintain the form of your face, help you smile more confidently, correct your bite, and help chewing and speech difficulties.

Preparing the Teeth for a Crown or Bridge

Your dentist will examine your teeth and take X-rays to check the pulp, roots, and surrounding bone. Your dentist will also clean your teeth. If you’re getting a tooth-colored crown or bridge, your dentist will choose a shade that matches your natural teeth exactly. Before a crown is prepared, a root canal treatment may be advised if an infection is at risk.

The teeth and gums are anesthetized before the crown can be placed, and the tooth surfaces are ground down using a drill. A filling may be necessary if a tooth is severely damaged or decayed.

To create a three-dimensional image of your prepared teeth and soft tissues, the dentist in St. Catharines, ON will use putty or cement to create a mouth impression or a digital scanner.

Once the impression or scan is taken, it is transferred to a laboratory, where the crown or bridge is made. Usually, this process takes around two to three weeks. In the meantime, your dentist will cover the prepared teeth with a temporary acrylic or stainless steel crown or bridge.

You will have your dentist remove the temporary crown or bridge when the permanent one is ready to check the fit and color. Cement can be used to permanently secure the crown or bridge.

Some dental practices can create and place a permanent crown in a single appointment using specialized software and equipment without needing a temporary crown.

Taking Good Care of Your Restoration

Maintaining proper oral hygiene and avoiding habits like teeth grinding and nail-biting will extend the life of your restoration and keep you in good oral health. You will also be taught precise ways to clean your crown or bridge.

The Bottom Line

Many patients’ self-esteem and self-confidence have been boosted because of dental crowns and bridges. As dental bridges and crowns continue improving, they look more like your natural teeth. Improved technology has led to increasing number of patients benefiting from full smile restorations.