What are dental crowns and bridges?
Dentists use dental crowns and bridges to protect and restore damaged teeth. If tooth decay is too severe for a filling, a dental crown is placed over the tooth. Crowns can also be used to seal teeth after root canal therapy or for cosmetic reasons. A dental bridge is used to replace one or more missing teeth by placing crowns on healthy teeth on each side of the gap, with a false tooth bridging the gap.
DID YOU KNOW…
Dental crowns are also referred to as “caps” because they cap the existing tooth structure in order to restore it.
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The Benefits of Same-Day Crowns
Lab-Made Crowns
Lab-made crowns are crafted by experienced technicians in specialized dental laboratories. Your dentist will take impressions, scans, and photographs of your teeth, which will then be sent to the lab for production. These crowns are manufactured using cutting-edge techniques and high-quality ceramic and metal materials. Once finished, they will be returned to your dentist for installation. Lab-made crowns are praised for their realistic appearance, comfortable fit, and long-lasting durability.
Same-Day Crowns
Advanced CAD/CAM technology is used to create same-day crowns in the dental office. A handheld digital scanner is first used to scan the mouth and generate a 3D image on a computer. The dentist then designs the crown digitally and sends the design to the milling unit, which shapes the crown from ceramic or porcelain blocks. Within minutes, the crown is ready to be fitted and attached by the dentist. This efficient process usually only requires a single 1-2 hour appointment.
Traditional Bridges
Traditional dental bridges are made up of two crowns that are permanently attached to healthy teeth, called "abutment teeth." These healthy teeth are situated next to one or more missing teeth in your mouth. A metal framework is utilized to support one or more false teeth, known as "pontics," between these teeth. These false teeth serve to bridge the space between your missing teeth, ultimately restoring your smile.
Cantilever Bridges
A cantilever bridge is a type of bridge that differs from a traditional fixed bridge in that it only requires one abutment tooth for support instead of two. This involves trimming a single adjacent tooth next to the missing tooth and creating a bridge with a crown and artificial tooth. The crown is attached to the abutment tooth, while the artificial tooth fills the gap left by the missing tooth, restoring your smile.
Compared to traditional bridges, cantilever bridges are less invasive as only one tooth needs to be trimmed, and they are often more cost-effective. However, a healthy mouth is necessary for a cantilever bridge, and they are typically only suitable for use in certain areas of the mouth.
Maryland Bonded Bridges
A Maryland bridge is a conservative dental procedure that does not require the removal of enamel or preparation of neighboring teeth. It consists of a false tooth connected to adjacent teeth using a metal framework with "wings" that are bonded to the back of the teeth with dental cement. This method restores your smile without the need for invasive treatments and is often used for front teeth.
Implant Bridges
Implant bridges are a permanent solution for restoring multiple missing teeth, unlike removable bridges. They are securely fixed to dental implants, providing a natural look, feel, and function. With implant bridges, there is no need to worry about them becoming loose or falling out. Unlike removable options, implant bridges can be brushed and flossed just like regular teeth, eliminating the need for removal for cleaning. Additionally, implant bridges are often a more cost-effective treatment option compared to replacing every missing tooth with an individual implant.
The Same-Day Crown Treatment Process
Preparation of Abutment Teeth
Your dentist will begin by cleaning and numbing your mouth. They will then remove a thin layer of enamel from the two teeth next to your missing tooth, called "abutment teeth." These teeth will act as the base for your crowns, which will be attached securely to support your bridge permanently.
Impressions
Once your abutment teeth have been prepared, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth using dental putty and trays. These impressions will be sent to a dental lab technician who will use them to craft your dental bridge.
Temporary Bridge
Your dentist will place either a temporary resin bridge or two temporary dental crowns to safeguard your prepared abutment teeth, based on your specific requirements. These temporary solutions will shield and preserve your prepared teeth until your permanent bridge can be installed.
Bridge Check & Adjustment
Once your permanent bridge is finished, usually within a few weeks, you will come in for a fitting at the office. Your dentist may need to make small adjustments to ensure the bridge fits correctly and feels comfortable. If more significant changes are necessary, the bridge will be sent back to the lab for further refinement.
Permanent Placement
Once you and your dentist have ensured that the bridge fits correctly, they will use durable dental cement to firmly attach it to your abutment teeth. This will help restore both your smile and your ability to bite effectively.