CROWNS
Dental crowns are custom made and fit over the natural tooth of a patient, which has been prepared.
It is used as a replacement of the crown structure of the natural tooth, which is the part of the tooth that is above the gums.
Dental crowns improve the aesthetic appearance of a patient’s teeth. But they also adapt to the natural biting forces which allows them to add durability, stability, and strength.
BRIDGES
Bridges most common use is for replacing a missing tooth (or teeth). They are cemented to the natural tooth in a way which surrounds the empty space.
Why is a dental crown needed?
The main aim crowns is to restore strength, functionality, shape and size to a tooth, and to improve its look.
Situations where a crown may be needed:
- To replace an old, broken or failing tooth filling.
- To restore a tooth that has already broken.
- To restore length on worn down teeth (for example from grinding).
- To cover and support a tooth that has a large filling if there isn’t much natural tooth structure left.
- To make a cosmetic adjustment such as closing spaces between teeth, or reshaping or rotating teeth.
- Crowns are used to hold dental bridges in their place.
- A crown is used to cover a dental implant.
- A crown is recommended to restore strength to any tooth that has undergone root canal therapy
- To protect a tooth that has become weakened (for example by decay) or cracked, by holding it together and preventing it from breaking.
Before a bridge is placed, the natural tooth must first be prepared by a dentist.