Crowns & Bridges

Dental Crowns & Bridges are tooth prosthesis that restores or replaces damaged or missing tooth/teeth to its normal size, shape and function. A Dental Crown also known as ‘Cap’ covers or restores a damaged tooth, restoring its function and aesthetics.

Dental Bridge is usually recommended if there are missing (1 or more) teeth. It is necessary to treat missing teeth, as empty space leads to drifting of teeth if untreated, leading to ‘Bad bite’ and eventually leading to joint disorders. Bridge is made using the support of the teeth, adjacent to the empty space. Both Crowns & Bridges are non removable and are bonded to the tooth/teeth, hence restoring form and function, giving you a healthy, natural looking smile.

When do I need a Crown ? If you have,

  • A large cavity
  • Discolored teeth
  • Cracked, weakened or badly shaped teeth.

What to expect during a Crown / Bridge appointment ?

To get your crown or bridge fixed it would take up to 2 or 3 appointments.

During your 1st appointment: Your tooth/teeth are reduced in size to ensure a proper fit for the following crown /bridge. An impression of the teeth is made to create molds to fabricate the dental prosthesis. In case of ceramic crowns, shade selection is done using your adjacent teeth. If needed a temporary crown is given.

During your 2nd appointment: The area to receive a crown or bridge is cleaned and dried. The crown/bridge is first checked for the fit and of any high points if present and once your comfort is assured, the bridge/crown is bonded into place.

What are the types of crowns available ?

Zirconia / All Ceramic / Metal free Ceramic: These are aesthetically most superior as it blends with your natural tooth color making it the preferred choice for front teeth.

Porcelain fused to Metal Crowns: It is a hybrid construction where porcelain is fused as a covering over a metal substructure that encases the tooth. These crowns provide both good aesthetics, high resilience and durability.

Full Metal Crowns: These crowns are made using either a gold or ‘white’ ( silver colored) dental alloy. It has high strength and durability. However the biggest disadvantage is the color that makes it aesthetically compromised.

Does a crowned tooth require extra care ?

No, but the presence of a crown does not guarantee that your tooth won’t decay in future. So keep following your normal oral hygiene routine.

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.

Some Adices

Why you should do this?

Functional Restoration: With the help of a crown/bridge, we will restore your dental functionality. That is, you will be able to chew and eat efficiently. A crown/bridge will also improve the clarity of speech that may have been lost due to absence of a natural tooth.

Force Distribution: The bridge structure distributes the chewing force equally to the supporting teeth, making for easier chewing.

Aesthetics: This is also a major benefit of a crown/bridge. Not only do you recover your functionality, you can also restore or even improve your smile with a bridge.

Durability: Dental crowns/bridges also tend to last much longer than removable dentures.

Do you want to have the smile of your dreams?