Crowns and Bridges

A crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” placed over a tooth that covers the tooth to restore its shape and size, increase strength, and improve its appearance. 

A crown may be needed in the following situations:

• To protect a weak tooth from breaking (as in decay) or to hold cracked tooth parts together
• To restore already broken or badly worn teeth
• Covering and supporting teeth with large fillings when there are not many teeth left
• To hold the dental bridge in place
• For covering deformed or severely discolored teeth
• To cover dental implants
• To do cosmetic surgery

What types of crowns are there?

Permanent crowns can be made of different materials:

Stainless steel crowns are off-the-shelf crowns that are primarily used as a temporary treatment for primary teeth. Stainless steel crowns are commonly used in children to fit over prepared deciduous teeth. The crown covers the entire tooth and protects it from further decay. Stainless steel crowns are commonly used on children’s teeth. This is because it does not require multiple visits to the dentist and is less expensive than the preventive dental care needed to protect custom crowns and crownless teeth.

Metal crowns withstand biting and chewing forces well and are likely to last the longest in terms of wear. Metals used in crowns include alloys rich in gold or platinum, or base metal alloys such as cobalt-chromium and nickel-chromium alloys. In addition, metal crowns are less likely to chip or break. The metallic color is the main drawback. Metal crowns are suitable for inconspicuous molars.

Resin crowns are made from a plastic material and are less expensive than other types of crowns. They are a good choice for a temporary restoration, but they may not be as strong as other types of crowns.

Porcelain-metal fused crowns can be color matched to adjacent teeth (unlike metal crowns). However, this type of crown causes more wear on the antagonist compared to metal or plastic crowns. The porcelain part of the crown can also split or break. However, the metal underneath the porcelain of the crown may show through as a dark line. Especially in the gum line, it becomes even more noticeable when the gums recede. These crowns are suitable for anterior or molar teeth and long bridges that require metal for strength.

Zirconia Crowns: One of the numerous more recent materials that combine the durability of metal with the aesthetically pleasing, tooth-like appeal of porcelain is zirconia, a white solid ceramic glaze. Zirconia crowns are also regularly modified to enhance their functionality.

We deliver all types of crowns and bridges at Oracare Multispeciality Dental Clinic and Implant Centre.

What steps are required to prepare teeth for crowns?.

Preparing teeth for crowns usually requires two visits to the dentist. The first step is to examine and prepare the teeth, and the second visit is to fit the permanent crowns.

It’s important to take care of your crowns and bridges to ensure that they last as long as possible. This includes brushing and flossing regularly, avoiding hard or sticky foods, and visiting your dentist for regular checkups. With proper care, crowns and bridges can last for many years.