Crowns And Bridges

Dental crowns, also known as “caps”, preserve the functionality of damaged teeth. Crowns may be used to protect a cracked tooth, restore functionality of a tooth with excessive decay, or replace a pre-existing crown. The purpose of a dental crown is to encase a needy tooth with a custom-designed material. Dentists today have a variety of conservative treatment options through which to restore teeth. If possible, these options should be explored and discussed before selecting the full coverage crown. The material selected is determined by the clinical demands at hand; esthetic demands, strength requirements, material durability and restorative space available.

The predominant material choice for all-ceramic crowns today is either zirconia, or aluminous materials. They provide a metal-free esthetic option with a number of benefits. By eliminating the need for the supportive metal core, an esthetic all-ceramic crown can be created with a reduced thickness of material. This makes them a more favorable treatment choice in areas with limited space. Additionally, the elimination of the metal core allows for light transmission through the porcelain for better optical, life-like properties and a higher level of esthetics.

Are fixed bridges necessary?

Often, many people who lose a back tooth are inclined to do nothing to replace it. After all, the tooth never was visible. Unfortunately, losing a tooth can start a vicious cycle of destruction. In a normal, healthy mouth, your teeth have a natural balance. Each upper tooth contacts the corresponding lower tooth, allowing for a well-balanced chewing function. Losing a tooth quickly destroys this balance. A functional mouth has 28 teeth (14 upper and 14 lower). They work as a team. Each tooth has three or four companion teeth: the neighbouring teeth and one or two biting partners in the opposite arch. These companion teeth provide support and stability.

TDrifting, shifting, periodontal disease, and abnormal decay areas are some of the problems that can occur when your tooth loses the support of a companion.
Several things can occur if a tooth is missing and there is no bridge for support.

• The opposing molar may super-erupt.
• The neighbour teeth tilt, destroying proper functional balance.
• Drifting teeth create food impact areas where decay starts.
• Drifting teeth increase the risk of periodontal disease.
• Bone is destroyed as teeth drift and tip.