A crown is a type of dental restoration which completely caps or encircles a tooth or dental implant. Crowns are often needed when a large cavity threatens the ongoing health of a tooth. They are typically bonded to the tooth using a 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 is a fixed dental restoration used to replace a missing tooth by joining an artificial tooth permanently to adjacent teeth or dental implants. Types of bridges may vary, depending upon how they are fabricated and the way they anchor to the adjacent teeth. Conventionally, bridges are made using the indirect method of restoration. However, bridges can be fabricated directly in the mouth using such materials as composite resin.
Why do I need a dental crown or bridge?
When you have a missing tooth or teeth, it can affect you in a number of ways. A dental crowns or bridges can help you with fixing:
- your smile
- the ability to properly chew
- your speech and pronunciation
- the shape of your face
- re-adjusting your bite
- preventing your teeth from moving out of the correct position
Crowns and bridges can be matched to the colour of your teeth using porcelain or ceramic material.