Crowns are bridges
Crowns and Bridges
Are fixed prosthetic devices that are cemented onto existing teeth or implants that can only be removed by a dentist. A crown is used to entirely cover or cap a damaged tooth. Besides strengthening a tooth a crown can be used to improve appearance, shape, or alignment. A bridge may be recommended if you are missing one or more teeth. Gaps left by missing teeth eventually cause the remaining teeth to drift or rotate into the empty spaces. Before a crown or bridge can be made the tooth must be reduced in size so the crown or bridge can fit properly, an impression will be taken to provide an exact mold and sent to the lab. A temporary material will be placed over the prepared tooth while the permanent one is being made in the lab.
Dental Crowns
Dental Crowns and Bridges are fixed prosthetic devices that are cemented onto existing teeth or implants by a dentist. They are commonly used to cover or “cap” a damaged tooth, improve its appearance, alignment, or shape, and strengthen the tooth, ensuring its functionality is maintained or enhanced.
A dental crown is used to entirely cover or “cap” a damaged tooth. Besides strengthening a damaged tooth, a dental crown can be used to improve its appearance, shape, or alignment. Crowns can also be placed on top of implants to provide a tooth-like shape and structure for function. Porcelain or ceramic crowns can be matched to the colour of your natural teeth. Other materials include gold and metal alloys, acrylic, and ceramic.
Preparation
For a crown, the tooth is reshaped to allow the crown to be placed over it. For a bridge, the teeth on either side of the gap are prepared as crowns to serve as anchors for the bridge.
Impressions
Impressions of the teeth are taken, which serve as a model from which the crown, bridge, pontic, and crowns are made by a dental lab.
Temporary Crown/Bridge
A temporary crown or bridge is placed to cover the prepared tooth while the permanent crown or bridge is being made.
Fitting
Once the permanent crown or bridge is ready, the temporary one is removed, and the new crown or bridge is placed and adjusted.