🦷 Crowns and Bridges – Dental Restorations
Crowns and bridges are fixed prosthetic devices used to restore damaged or missing teeth. Unlike dentures, they are cemented onto existing teeth or implants and can only be removed by a dentist.
🏰 Dental Crown – “Cap for a Tooth”
A crown is a tooth-shaped cap that is placed over a damaged, decayed, or root canal-treated tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance.
✅ When is a Crown Needed?
- Large cavity that weakens the tooth
- After Root Canal Treatment
- Cracked or worn-down teeth
- Discolored or misshaped teeth
- To support a dental bridge
🧱 Types of Crown Materials:
- Porcelain/ceramic (natural appearance)
- Metal alloys (stronger, used in back teeth)
- Porcelain fused to metal (PFM)
- Zirconia (aesthetic + strong)
🌉 Dental Bridge – “Fixed Tooth Replacement”
A bridge is used to replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring onto adjacent natural teeth (or implants). The false tooth (pontic) fills the gap.
✅ When is a Bridge Used?
- One or more teeth are missing
- Gaps are affecting bite or appearance
- To prevent neighboring teeth from shifting
🔗 Types of Bridges:
- Traditional Bridge – Crowns on both sides with pontic in between.
- Cantilever Bridge – Supported on only one side.
- Maryland Bridge – Resin-bonded, minimal tooth prep.
- Implant-Supported Bridge – Anchored to dental implants.
Care & Longevity Tips:
- Brush and floss daily (especially under bridges)
- Use floss threaders or interdental brushes
- Avoid chewing hard food on restored teeth
- Visit the dentist regularly