Dental Crowns
What are Dental Crowns?
A crown is a cap-shaped prosthesis made from porcelain or metal alloys. It rests over the entire surface of the visible portion of your tooth and is used for restoring the shape, structure and aesthetics of crooked or chipped teeth. Unlike the dental fillings which are placed directly inside the patient’s mouth, dental crowns are fabricated in a dental laboratory, and they offer an aesthetically superior and long-term solution.
Who Can Benefit from Dental Crowns?
At Regent Dental, our dentists use dental crowns for correcting a variety of cosmetic and restorative dental issues:
- Crooked and Chipped Teeth – dental crowns offer a durable and lasting solution for restoring grossly damaged teeth.
- Teeth with Heavy Fillings – teeth which are heavily filled are prone to fracturing under their weight. A porcelain crown can be placed over these teeth to restore their strength.
- Permanent Teeth Stains – porcelain crowns are also used for masking permanent teeth stains which cannot be removed through professional teeth whitening procedure.
- After Root Canal Treatment – teeth which undergo a root canal procedure become weak and brittle. Therefore, dentists often place a crown over these teeth to prevent chances of fracture.
- Single Tooth Restoration with Dental Implants – a crown is also placed over an implant for replacing a single missing tooth.
How is a Dental Crown Prepared?
Fabrication of a dental crown usually takes 2-3 sittings. Here are the steps involved in preparing dental crowns:
- Consultation – first, our dentists will perform a detailed clinical examination to assess your suitability for getting your teeth restored with crowns. Our dentists will also look at the x-ray images and study models of your teeth to prepare a customised treatment plan.
- Tooth Preparation – in the next appointment, we will remove a thin layer outer enamel layer of the recipient's tooth. This is done to provide enough space for the crown to rest over the tooth without “bulging” out.
- Impression Making – next, our dentist will make an impression of your teeth, which we will send to the dental laboratory for preparing the crowns. We will also note down the shade and colour of the adjacent teeth so that when the crown is prepared, it perfectly blends with the natural teeth.
- Attaching the Crown – in the next appointment, our dentists will first try the prepared crown on the prepared tooth for fit and aesthetics. Any minor modifications, if required, will be done at the dental chairside. If everything goes well, then we will permanently attach the crown with a dental adhesive.
Dental Bridges
What are Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is similar to an architectural bridge since it “bridges” the gap created by missing natural teeth. Dental bridges provide superior aesthetics, durability and chewing efficacy in comparison to the conventional removable dentures.
What is a Dental Bridge?
A bridge is a fixed appliance which is used for replacing one or more missing teeth by taking support from natural teeth or implants on both sides of the gap. The artificial teeth used for tooth replacement, known as the pontics, are attached to crowns which rest over the supporting teeth or implants on both sides. Unlike the dentures, a bridge remains permanently fixed to the supporting teeth and can only be removed by the dentist.
Who Can Benefit from Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges are an excellent option for tooth replacement in the following cases:
- To get rid of old and poor fitting removable dentures
- As a long-term option for replacing a single missing tooth
- As a long-term option for replacing up to 3 or 4 adjacent missing teeth
- Replacing multiple teeth which are supported by dental implants
- Dental bridges are also used for tooth replacement when patients cannot afford treatment with dental implants
How are Dental Bridges Prepared?
The process of preparation of a dental bridge is similar to how a crown is prepared. After a consultation and treatment planning, our dentists will prepare the supporting teeth by removing a thin layer of dental enamel. Afterwards, we will make an impression of your teeth and send it to the dental laboratory, where it is utilised to prepare the bridge. In the next appointment, the prepared bridge is first tried without cementing. If you are happy with the aesthetic outcome and fit, we will permanently bond the bridge to the supporting teeth.
Dental crowns and bridges are excellent options for restoring or replacing natural teeth. In addition to restoring your smile and facial aesthetics, they are also sufficiently durable and long-lasting. In fact, with proper care, crowns and bridges can last for more than 15 years. All you need is to ensure optimal oral hygiene maintenance and regular dental check-up visits, which we recommend doing with us always.
Visit us today to discuss the possibility of getting a brand-new smile with dental crowns and bridges. Our dentists have a long and wide knowledge of crowns and bridges and other treatment options that might be necessary.
Happy Smiling!