What Are Dental Crowns & Bridges? Advantages & Disadvantages

Jul 01, 2024

Dental crowns and bridges are common dental prosthetics used to restore and enhance the appearance and function of teeth. These treatments are often recommended by prosthodontists to address several dental issues, such as tooth decay, damage, or missing teeth. Understanding the purpose, types, various advantages, and disadvantages of dental crowns and bridges is essential for making informed decisions about your dental health. Let’s dive into each aspect of these treatments to gain a better understanding of their significance in dental care.

What Are Dental Crowns and How Do They Work?

Dental crowns, also known as caps, refer to custom-made covers that fit over damaged or decayed teeth. They are crafted to restore the shape, size, strength, and look of the tooth while protecting it from additional damage or decay. Dental crowns function by covering the complete visible section of the tooth above the gum line, offering stability and reinforcement.

Here is an overview of how the procedure generally unfolds:

Assessment: The dentist examines the tooth to determine if a crown is necessary.
Preparation: The tooth is prepared by eliminating a thin layer of enamel to fit the crown.
Impressions: Impressions of the ready tooth are taken to craft a custom-fitted crown.
Temporary Crown: A temporary crown may be positioned while the permanent crown is being fabricated.
Placement: Once all ready, the permanent crown is bonded to the tooth, reinstating both its function and aesthetics.

In some cases, crowns may be necessary for children to protect damaged teeth or restore a tooth after a pulpectomy. If your child needs this kind of dental care, consulting a pediatric dentist in Calgary, is the best course of action.

What Are the Different Types of Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are available in different materials, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Common types of dental crowns include:

Porcelain: Porcelain crowns closely resemble natural teeth in color and appearance, making them an excellent choice for front teeth.
Metal: Metal crowns, including gold or silver alloy, are highly durable and ideal for back teeth subjected to heavy chewing forces.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM): PFM crowns integrate the strength of metal with the aesthetics of porcelain, providing both durability and natural-looking results.
All-ceramic: All-ceramic crowns offer superior aesthetics and are appropriate for patients with metal allergies or those seeking a more lifelike appearance.

What Are the Advantages of Dental Crowns?

Bone Preservation: Dental crowns help preserve the underlying bone structure by providing stability and support to the surrounding tissues, preventing bone loss over time.
Resistance to Stains: Modern dental materials used for crowns are resistant to stains and discoloration, sustaining a bright and vibrant smile.
Long-lasting: With diligent care, dental crowns can endure for an extended period, offering a robust solution for tooth restoration.
Versatility: Crowns can be employed to address a range of dental concerns, encompassing decay, cracks, fractures, and aesthetic flaws.

What Are the Disadvantages of Dental Crowns?

Cost: Dental crowns may incur higher costs compared to alternative dental treatments, particularly for patients lacking insurance coverage.
Tooth preparation: The method of preparing the tooth for a crown involves removing a significant amount of enamel, which may weaken the tooth structure.
Sensitivity: Some patients may encounter temporary sensitivity or discomfort after receiving a dental crown, especially if the tooth’s nerve is irritated during the procedure.
Risk of Microleakage: Inadequate sealing of the crown margins can result in microleakage, allowing bacteria and oral fluids to seep between the crown and the underlying tooth structure.

How Do Dental Bridges Help Replace Missing Teeth?

Dental bridges refer to the prosthetic devices used to replace one or multiple lost teeth by bridging the gap between adjacent teeth. They include two main components: the pontic (artificial tooth) and the abutment teeth (natural teeth or dental implants) on any side of the space. Dental bridges work by anchoring the pontic to the adjacent teeth or implants, restoring both function and appearance.

Here is an overview of the process:

Assessment: The dentist evaluates the patient’s oral health and ascertains if a dental bridge is the appropriate treatment option.
Preparation: The abutment teeth are prepared by eliminating a portion of enamel to fit the bridge.
Impressions: Impressions of the ready teeth are taken to fabricate a custom-fitted bridge.
Temporary Bridge: A temporary bridge may be inserted while the permanent bridge is being fabricated.
Placement: Once ready, the permanent bridge is cemented onto the abutment teeth or secured to dental implants, restoring the patient’s smile and bite.

What Are the Different Types of Dental Bridges?

Dental bridges come in several types, each suited to specific dental needs and preferences:

Traditional bridges: These are the most common type of bridges and comprise a pontic secured by dental crowns on adjacent natural teeth.
Cantilever bridges: Cantilever bridges are employed when only one adjacent tooth is available to support the pontic.
Maryland bridges: Also referred to as resin-bonded bridges, Maryland bridges use metal or porcelain wings joined to the back of adjacent teeth to support the pontic.
Implant-supported bridges: Implant-supported bridges are secured to dental implants surgically inserted in the jawbone, offering a stable and long-lasting solution for missing teeth.

What Are the Advantages of Dental Bridges?

Restore aesthetics: Dental bridges can fill in gaps left by missing teeth, improving the appearance of the smile and facial aesthetics.
Improve function: By replacing missing teeth, dental bridges reinstate the capacity to chew, articulate, and bite effectively.
Prevent dental issues: Dental bridges help maintain the alignment of surrounding teeth, preventing them from shifting out of place.
Boost confidence: With a restored smile, individuals feel more confident and comfortable in social and professional settings.

What Are the Disadvantages of Dental Bridges?

Potential for decay: The area beneath the pontic and around the supporting teeth may be more susceptible to decay and gum disease if proper oral hygiene is not maintained.
Difficulty in Repair: Repairing a damaged or fractured dental bridge may require extensive treatment, including the removal and replacement of the entire bridge, which can be costly and time-consuming.
Impact on Bite Alignment: In some cases, the placement of a dental bridge may alter the bite alignment, leading to issues such as occlusal discrepancies, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) discomfort, or uneven distribution of biting forces.
Potential for Esthetic Compromises: Depending on factors such as the materials used and the expertise of the dental provider, dental bridges may exhibit esthetic compromises such as unnatural coloration, poor contouring, or visible margins, affecting the overall appearance of the smile.

Conclusion

In conclusion, dental crowns and bridges are significant dental treatments that can restore the function, aesthetics, and health of your smile. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of these treatments is essential for making informed decisions about your dental health. Whether you are contemplating a crown for safeguarding a compromised tooth or a bridge for replacing missing teeth, seeking advice from a prosthodontist in Calgary can assist you in exploring your choices and attaining peak oral health.

Ready to Enhance Your Smile? Schedule Your Appointment Today!

Transform your smile with the expertise and care of Northwest Prosthodontics. Schedule your appointment for dental crowns & bridges near you in Calgary, and take the initial step towards achieving a confident, healthy smile. Contact us now to fix your consultation and start your journey to gain optimal oral health and well-being.

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