dental crown@tooth bridge

What are Dental Crowns and Tooth Bridges
?
Both crowns and most bridges are fixed prosthetic devices. Unlike
removable devices such as dentures, which you can take out and clean
daily, crowns and bridges are cemented onto existing teeth or implants,
and can only be removed by a dentist.

How do Crowns Work?
A crown is used to entirely cover or "cap" a damaged tooth. Besides
strengthening a damaged tooth, a crown can be used to improve its
appearance, shape or alignment. A crown can also be placed on top of an
implant to provide a tooth-like shape and structure for function.
Porcelain or ceramic crowns can be matched to the color of your natural
teeth. Other materials include gold and metal alloys, acrylic and
ceramic. These alloys are generally stronger than porcelain and may be
recommended for back teeth. Porcelain bonded to a metal shell is often
used because it is both strong and attractive.

Your dentist may recommend a crown to:

Replace a large filling when there isn't enough tooth remaining
Protect a weak tooth from fracturing
Restore a fractured tooth
Attach a bridge
Cover a dental implant
Cover a discolored or poorly shaped tooth
Cover a tooth that has had root canal treatment

How do Bridges Work?
A bridge may be recommended if you're missing one or more teeth. Gaps
left by missing teeth eventually cause the remaining teeth to rotate or
shift into the empty spaces, resulting in a bad bite. The imbalance
caused by missing teeth can also lead to gum disease and
temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

Bridges are commonly used to replace one or more missing teeth. They
span the space where the teeth are missing. Bridges are cemented to the
natural teeth or implants surrounding the empty space. These teeth,
called abutments, serve as anchors for the bridge. A replacement tooth,
called a pontic, is attached to the crowns that cover the abutments. As
with crowns, you have a choice of materials for bridges. Your dentist
can help you decide which to use, based on the location of the missing
tooth (or teeth), its function, aesthetic considerations and cost.
Porcelain or ceramic bridges can be matched to the color of your
natural teeth.

How are Crowns and Bridges Made?
Before either a crown or a bridge can be made, the tooth (or teeth)
must be reduced in size so that the crown or bridge will fit over it
properly. After reducing the tooth/teeth, your dentist will take an
impression to provide an exact mold for the crown or bridge. If
porcelain is to be used, your dentist will determine the correct shade
for the crown or bridge to match the color of your existing teeth.

Using this impression, a dental lab then makes your crown or bridge, in
the material your dentist specifies. A temporary crown or bridge will
be put in place to cover the prepared tooth while the permanent crown
or bridge is being made. When the permanent crown or bridge is ready,
the temporary crown or bridge is removed, and the new crown or bridge
is cemented over your prepared tooth or teeth.

How Long do Crowns and Bridges Last?
While crowns and bridges can last a lifetime, they do sometimes come
loose or fall out. The most important step you can take to ensure the
longevity of your crown or bridge is to practice good oral hygiene. A
bridge can lose its support if the teeth or bone holding it in place
are damaged by dental disease. Keep your gums and teeth healthy by
Brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and flossing daily. Also
see your dentist and hygienist regularly for checkups and professional
cleanings.

To prevent damage to your new crown or bridge, avoid chewing hard foods, ice or other hard objects


Bridges
[ندعوك للتسجيل في المنتدى أو التعريف بنفسك لمعاينة هذه الصورة]
The bridge is mounted and adjusted for fit and comfort.

[ندعوك للتسجيل في المنتدى أو التعريف بنفسك لمعاينة هذه الصورة]
The bridge is cemented into position.

[ندعوك للتسجيل في المنتدى أو التعريف بنفسك لمعاينة هذه الصورة]Teeth around the space are prepared.


Crowns


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