What Are Crowns and Bridges?
Dental crowns are custom-made, tooth-shaped caps placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Dental bridges are used to replace one or more missing teeth by "bridging" the gap with artificial teeth anchored by crowns on the adjacent natural teeth.
How Are Crowns and Bridges Placed?
Crowns are recommended when a tooth is broken, cracked, or structurally weakened. The damaged tooth is carefully reshaped and reduced in size. After removing any decay and rebuilding the core structure, a crown is fitted over the prepared tooth and permanently cemented in place, restoring both function and aesthetics.
Bridges involve placing crowns on the healthy teeth adjacent to the missing tooth or teeth. These crowned teeth serve as anchors to support one or more false teeth (pontics) positioned in the gap. Once cemented, the bridge blends seamlessly with natural teeth and functions like a real set of teeth.
The Dental Bridge Works
Dental crowns are custom-designed, tooth-shaped caps used to restore a damaged tooth’s shape, size, strength, and appearance. A dental bridge, on the other hand, is used to replace one or more missing teeth by filling the gap with artificial teeth supported by crowns on the adjacent natural teeth.
How Are Crowns and Bridges Placed?
Crowns are typically recommended when a tooth is broken, cracked, or weakened. The affected tooth is reshaped and reduced in size, decay is removed, and the structure is rebuilt to support the crown. The crown is then cemented over the tooth, restoring its function and natural look.
Bridges work by anchoring false teeth (called pontics) to crowns placed on the healthy teeth on either side of the gap. These supporting teeth are prepared in the same way as for a crown. Once the bridge is cemented into place, it restores both the appearance and functionality of natural teeth.
Shaping the Nearby Teeth
Before placing a dental bridge, the teeth next to the missing space (called abutment teeth) are gently trimmed and shaped. This helps the bridge fit properly and stay securely in place.
Bridge Construction
A dental impression is taken using a special molding material to capture the exact shape of your teeth. This mould is then sent to a dental lab where your custom bridge is carefully crafted to ensure a perfect fit.
Bridge Placement
Once the custom bridge is ready, your dentist will carefully place it into the gap left by the missing tooth. The crowns on either end of the bridge are then securely cemented onto the prepared adjacent teeth, ensuring a stable and natural-looking fit.
