What are dental crowns and bridges?
Dental crowns and bridges are used by dentists to protect and restore damaged teeth. When tooth decay is too severe for a filling, a dental crown is placed over the tooth. Crowns can also seal teeth after root canal therapy or for cosmetic purposes. A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by placing crowns on healthy teeth on either 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 created by skilled technicians at specialized dental labs. Your dentist will take impressions, scans, and photos of your teeth, which will be sent to the lab. The crowns are made using advanced manufacturing techniques with durable ceramic and metal materials. Once completed, they will be sent back to your dentist for fitting and placement. Lab-made crowns are known for their natural look and feel, as well as their longevity and durability.
Same-Day Crowns
Same-day crowns are created using advanced CAD/CAM technology. In-office milling units are utilized to shape crowns from ceramic or porcelain blocks.
To begin, your dentist will use a handheld digital scanner to scan your mouth. The scanner will generate a 3D image of your mouth on a computer. Your dentist will then design your crown using this digital image and send the design to the milling unit. The ceramic or porcelain block is placed into the machine, which will then carve the block into a crown.
Within a few minutes, your crown will be ready. Your dentist will ensure that it fits properly and feels natural when you bite down. After any necessary adjustments, the crown will be permanently attached. This entire process typically only requires a single 1-2 hour appointment.
Traditional Bridges
Traditional dental bridges consist of two crowns that are permanently attached to healthy teeth known as "abutment teeth." These healthy teeth are located next to one or more missing teeth in your mouth. A metal framework is used to suspend one or more false teeth, known as "pontics," between these teeth. These false teeth effectively bridge the gap between your missing teeth, restoring your smile.
Cantilever Bridges
A cantilever bridge differs from a traditional fixed bridge in that it only requires one abutment tooth for support, rather than two. This type of bridge involves trimming a single adjacent tooth next to the missing tooth, and then 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 non-invasive dental treatment that does not involve removing enamel or preparing adjacent teeth. It involves a false tooth attached to adjacent teeth using a metal framework with "wings" that are bonded to the backs of the teeth with dental cement. This restores your smile without the need for invasive procedures and is commonly 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 start by cleaning and numbing your mouth before removing a thin layer of enamel from the two teeth adjacent to your missing tooth, known as "abutment teeth." These teeth will serve as the foundation for your crowns, which will be securely attached to hold your bridge in place permanently.
Impressions
After your abutment teeth are prepared, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth using dental putty and trays. These impressions will then be sent to a dental lab technician who will use them to create your dental bridge.
Temporary Bridge
Your dentist will place a temporary resin bridge or two temporary dental crowns to protect your prepared abutment teeth, depending on your needs. This will cover and protect your prepared teeth until your permanent bridge can be placed.
Bridge Check & Adjustment
When your permanent bridge is completed, typically in a few weeks, you will visit the office for a fitting. Your dentist may make minor adjustments to ensure the bridge fits properly and feels natural. If larger adjustments are needed, the bridge will be sent back to the lab for further refinement.
Permanent Placement
After you and your dentist have confirmed that the fit of your bridge is correct, they will use strong dental cement to securely attach it to your abutment teeth. This will help restore both your smile and your ability to bite properly.