A crown is a type of dental restoration which completely caps or encircles a tooth or dental implant and is typically bonded to the tooth using dental cement. Crowns can be made from many materials, which are usually fabricated using indirect methods. Crowns are often used to improve the strength or appearance of teeth.

A bridge, also known as a fixed partial denture, is a dental restoration used to replace a missing tooth by joining permanently to adjacent teeth or dental implants. A bridge is fabricated by reducing the teeth on either side of the missing tooth or teeth by a preparation pattern determined by the location of the teeth and by the material from which the bridge is fabricated.

Crowns and Bridges are applicable in the following:

A dental crown is essential for making the teeth look stronger. Three major kinds of crowns are available for use, namely the all-metal, all-ceramic, and the porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns.

This type of crown is made out of metals or alloys, including gold, palladium, nickel or chromium. In the past it made an excellent choice for teeth that are expected to withstand heavy chewing and biting forces, usually molars located in the back of the mouth. However, the latest ceramic technology has provided an ideal substitute for teeth of this nature. Of course the biggest disadvantage of all-metal crowns is the color that makes it unsuitable for those teeth that are aesthetically on display.

A cross between metal and porcelain crowns, PFMs consist of a metal substructure that is layered with a veneer of porcelain, fused to the metal in a high heat oven. This hybrid composition gives the crown a tough underlying structure with a tooth-colored exterior. PFM crowns are strong and may be used for either front or back teeth. However, whilst they can be closely matched to natural teeth, the metal substructure inhibits the transmission of light through the tooth and crown, and these types of restorations can look quite dull and opaque. The underlying metal can also show through as a dark edge underneath the tooth’s gum line, or indeed, be fully exposed in the event of some soft tissue (gum) recession.

  An all-ceramic crown is produced by using a kind of dental ceramic, such as porcelain. The production can be handcrafted by a dental technician or sculpted from one block of ceramic by a computerized milling machine.

     This type of crown is known to have achieved the most natural look as its color and appearance blends seamlessly with your natural teeth.

 Modern ceramics not only mimic natural teeth with uncanny likeness, the surface texture is stain-resistant and retains the natural color and vibrancy throughout the life of the restoration. The strong material allows the crown to withstand biting and chewing forces that are similar to that of a healthy natural tooth.

A zirconia crown is a popular type of all-ceramic crown which is worn to improve the appearance of a tooth which has become stained or disfigured over the years. They are durable, easy to wear and long lasting.

Clinicians who wish to provide patients with excellent dental restorations often choose zirconia crowns. These crowns are chosen over conventional PFMs (Porcelain Fused to Metal) or full-gold crowns due to their superior strength, durability, and excellent aesthetics

Solid zirconia or “monolithic zirconia” has a natural translucency and opalescence but due this trait, it is generally recommended for posterior crowns. This material is also particularly suitable for people who may grind their teeth because of its high strength. Only minimal clearance is required and there is low wear on opposing teeth. Solid zirconia is also very effective for masking highly discolored dental preps, specifically those that have darkened due to previous dental treatments, such as a post and core or a restored dental implant. 

Layered zirconia is more translucent and opalescent, but unlike solid zirconia, it is especially suitable for anterior crowns. Although generally used for anterior crowns, layered zirconia may also be used for posterior crowns if there is sufficient clearance from other teeth. When done skillfully, the very best aesthetic results can be achieved. Both solid and layered zirconia crowns have a strength and consistency that is comparable with traditional PFM restorations, yet they provide far superior aesthetics.

• Zirconia crowns are highly biocompatible, as the smooth surface helps to reduce plaque accumulation. Solid zirconia crowns are extremely strong. Even though the porcelain used for layering does not have the strength of solid zirconia, they are designed to bond with the zirconium substructure and chipping and fracturing are extremely rare. The material also promotes a healthy tissue response.
• Zirconia is suitable for patients with metal allergies or who would prefer to have metal-free restorations.
• Zirconia is metal-free, which prevents darkening around the gingival area. This eliminates the possibility of metal margins becoming exposed due to gum recession.
• The translucent nature of this material can transmit the color of adjacent teeth and it is manufactured in a wide variety of shades, making it easy to accurately match the color of the patient’s natural teeth.
• Using computer-aided design and manufacturing processes provide patients with a precise fit, reducing the chair-side time required for adjusting and cementing these restorations.
• Crowns can be conventionally cemented in place using traditional bonding techniques. Zirconia crowns are comfortable for patients, as they do not transmit hot and cold in the same way as conventional PFMs.

A crown and bridge can fail if the support teeth or the jawbone is damaged by dental disease. Follow these tips for good oral health:

• Brush your teeth twice a day and floss or use another between-the-teeth cleaner once a day. Brushing and cleaning between the teeth helps remove plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that is always forming on the teeth.
• Always clean between your teeth and under the bridge. There are many kinds of flossers, picks or little brushes—ask your dentist what type will work well with your bridge.
• Initially you may experience some sensitivity to cold as the tooth may be slightly irritated by the cement. Sensitivity toothpaste generally helps . Also, if after a couple of days your “Bite” seems off or it just doesn't feel normal, please call our office for a slight adjustment.
• Avoid chewing hard foods and ice that can break a porcelain crown.
• Take steps to avoid grinding your teeth.