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What is a crown and why is it needed?
A crown is a dental restoration that covers
or "caps" a tooth to restore it to its normal shape, size, and function. Its
purpose is to strengthen or improve the appearance of a tooth. A crown can:
What is a crown made from?
Both the "look" and "function" of your crowns
are considered when choosing the materials most suitable for you. Your
dentist will consider the tooth location, the position of the gum tissue,
the amount of tooth that shows when you smile, the color or shade of the
tooth and the function of the tooth.
Left: Full porcelain
fused to metal
Center: Full porcelain crown
Right: Full cast alloy crown
Crowns are made from several types of
materials. Metal alloys, ceramics, porcelain, composite resin, or
combinations of these materials may be used. In the process of making a
crown, the material often is colored to blend with your natural teeth.
How is a crown placed?
Several steps are involved in placing a
crown. Two visits are generally necessary to complete the treatment. The
dentist will prepare the tooth by removing the outer portion of your tooth
to accommodate the thickness of the crown. If the tooth has a filling, part
of the material may be left in place to serve as a foundation for the crown.
Left:
Before
Center: Crown placed over prepared tooth
Right: Crown in place
An impression is made to provide
an exact model of the prepared tooth. Your dentist or a dental laboratory
technician (following the written instruction of the dentist) will then make
the crown from the model.
A "temporary" cap is placed while the
permanent crown is made. When the permanent crown is ready, the dentist puts
it in place and makes necessary adjustments. When you and your dentist are
satisfied with your appearance, the crown will be cemented in place.
How do I take care of my crowns?
When you have crowns, it is especially important to brush twice a day and
clean between your teeth daily with floss or other interdental cleaners.
Brushing and flossing remove a sticky film of bacteria called plaque. To
prevent damaging or fracturing the crowns, avoid chewing hard foods, ice or
other hard objects. It also is important to visit your dentist regularly.
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What is a bridge?
A bridge (also called a fixed partial
denture) is a restoration which replaces or spans the space where one or
more teeth have been lost. The loss of a tooth may cause your mouth to
"sink" from loss of the bone that supported the tooth. Remaining teeth can
also shift. The lost may be lost function and a face that looks older than
it should. A bridge helps support your lips and cheeks and helps maintain
the natural shape of your face.
What if I don't replace a missing tooth?
Your dental health may suffer when teeth are
not replace. Teeth were designed to complement each other. When a tooth is
lost, the nearby teeth may tilt toward the empty space, or the teeth in the
opposite jaw may move up or down toward the space. This places unusual
stress on both the teeth and tissues in your mouth.
Your appearance, dental health and the proper
functioning of your mouth are all important reasons for replacing missing
teeth. A
bridge helps maintain the natural shape of your face and may help support
your lips and cheeks. The loss of a back tooth may cause your mouth to sink
and your face to look older.
Missing teeth can also affect the way you
chew and speak. Chewing on only one side may cause stress to your mouth. You
also need your teeth to speak properly, since they help you make the many
sounds needed in speech.
Left: Immediately after
a tooth is lost.
Right: When a tooth is not replaced the remaining teeth can drift out of
position.
In addition, the gum tissues and the bone
that hold teeth in place can break down, increasing the risk of gum disease.
Teeth that have tipped are difficult to clean, making them more likely to
decay. As a result, even more teeth may be lost.
How is a bridge attached?
A fixed bridge is commonly cemented to the
natural teeth next to the space left by the missing tooth. A false tooth
(called a pontic) replaces the lost tooth. A pontic is attached to a
crown (a restorations that cover a tooth). Crowns, which are cemented onto
the natural teeth, provide support for the bridge.
Placing A Bridge
Left: Teeth adjacent to
the gap are prepared.
Center: The custom-made bridge is fitted and adjusted.
Right: After adjustments are made, the bridge is cemented into place.
Are there different type of bridges?
Yes. Dental implants attach
teeth directly into the jaw. Because surgery is required, candidates for
dental implants should have good general health and have adequate jawbone to
support an implant. For some patients, implants can help preserve the
jawbone where teeth have been lost.
What materials are used in a bridge?
Bridges are made from metal, ceramics, or a combination. Ceramics often
are bonded to metal alloy. The dentist considers the appearance and function
of the bridge and can discuss the materials best suited for you.
Caring for Your Bridge
Caring for your natural teeth and your bridge is important for your
appearance and your dental health. Regular dental check ups and having your
teeth professionally cleaned are vital for maintaining a healthy smile.
A bridge can lose its support if the teeth or the bone holding it in
place are damaged by dental disease. Brush twice a day and floss or use an
interdental cleaner, cleaning between your teeth and under the bridge.
Interdental cleaners are specially shaped brushes as well as rubber, plastic
or wooden devices. These measures help remove the sticky film of bacteria
called plaque. While it is not a substitute for flossing, a useful tool in
addition to floss is a water jet.
If the bridge no longer fits properly, if it breaks, cracks or chips, or if
one of the teeth become loose, see your dentist immediately.
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