A Complete Guide to Dental Crowns and Bridges
Crowns and bridges are custom-fabricated restorations that are used to replace one or more missing teeth or restore a defective, unattractive, or damaged tooth. This restorative procedure is one of the most convenient ways of fixing your teeth and bringing your charming smile back.
Both crowns and bridges are fixed restorations that are supported by existing teeth or implants. Unlike removable dentures, they can only be taken out by a dentist. A crown restores a damaged tooth structure while a bridge is used if one or several teeth are missing.
What is a Dental Crown?
A crown replaces the outer part of a tooth and is used primarily to preserve the structure of a damaged or broken down tooth. Dentists used partial crowns if a more healthy tooth structure exists, and a full crown for a tooth with multiple defects.
Partial Crowns
This extracoronal restoration does not cover all the surfaces of the tooth. While it is less invasive than a full crown, it may not be suitable for treating extensive tooth destruction and cannot be used on patients with active caries and periodontal disease.
Full Crowns
complete crown fully covers a damaged or weakened tooth. It is cemented into an existing tooth that has been reshaped and functions just like a natural tooth.
What is Dental Bridge?
If you lost an entire tooth or even multiple teeth, a dental bridge is used to fill the gaps where the teeth were formerly held. A replacement tooth called a pontic is attached to two or more retainers that are bonded to the remaining natural teeth or implants.
Retainers are essentially dental crowns that can be made of metal, porcelain, or zirconia. The adjacent teeth that support the bridge are referred to as abutments.
If a tooth is extracted or knocked out, it is important to fill the missing space as soon as possible. Eventually, your gums will shrink and the jawbone will deteriorate as there is no tooth to support in that area. A bridge replaces a missing tooth and protects your remaining healthy teeth.
Who Needs Dental Crowns and Bridges?
A crown is needed when there is insufficient coronal tooth structure to hold restorations within the crown of the tooth. It reconstructs the outer framework and contours of the damaged crown to restore normal oral function and protect the remaining tooth structure from further damage. Dental crowns are used for the following applications:
- Strengthen a defective tooth
- Reshape and realign the teeth
- Cover stains and discolorations
- Protect teeth after a root canal treatment
- Replace dental fillings
- Prevent tooth fracture
- Attach a dental bridge
- Restore normal function of the teeth
The best treatment for missing teeth is dental implants, especially if you don’t have a strong tooth structure to keep retainers in place. For patients with sufficient coronal tooth tissue to support and protect a restoration, a dental bridge is a cheaper alternative.
Choosing the right type of crowns and bridges depends on individual application. The position, range, and geometry of the tooth defect must be considered. There are different materials available for the fabrication of dental crowns. Your dentist will discuss the different options available for you, including the advantages and disadvantages of each option.
A missing tooth may not seem to affect your bite or appearance, but it can threaten your oral health by increasing your risk of dental disease and jawbone deterioration. Replace your missing teeth with crowns and bridges in Turkey. HLC Dental will help you decide on the right restorative material for your broken or missing teeth. Schedule a free no-obligation consultation today.
Types of Crowns and Bridges
You can classify dental crowns based on the type of materials used. Metal alloys are the sturdiest materials for dental crowns. They rarely chip, break, or wear away. However, metal crowns are not ideal in replacing the front teeth because of their color. Porcelain and ceramic match the natural color of your teeth and are more aesthetically pleasing than other crown types.
Types of Materials for Dental Crowns
Metal Alloys
Gold, nickel, chromium, platinum, and palladium are types of metals that can be used to make dental crowns. The chosen alloy is important because each kind has a different composition and physical properties. The type of metal used affects your crown’s aesthetics, fit, and longevity. Metal crowns are durable and resistant to abrasion of the opposing natural teeth.
An alloy is a combination of different metals. Dental crowns can never be made of pure metals because the physical properties of alloys are far superior. For instance, a pure gold crown is too soft and therefore would distort when you chew.
Porcelain Fused-to-Metal (PFM)
This type of crown has a more natural color and can be matched to the color of your existing teeth. It offers the best compromise between the durability of metals and the cosmetic advantage of porcelain.
However, the metal underneath the crown sometimes shows as a gray area at the gumline. This happens if the gum tissue in that area is thin or has receded. This can be prevented by using an all-porcelain or zirconia crown.
All-porcelain/All-ceramic
Full porcelain crowns are the most natural-looking of all dental crown materials. This makes them perfect for front teeth and canine restorations. While they are not as strong as metal alloys or PFM crowns, they are an excellent option for people with metal allergies.
These dental crowns are generally more expensive than other crown types. Newer ceramic/porcelain materials are now stronger and more reliable with a natural translucency that matches the color of your teeth.
Zirconia
Zirconia is quickly becoming the most popular material for dental restorations. Despite being 100% metal-free, crowns made of zirconium dioxide can be as strong as metal and aesthetically appealing like porcelain.
While zirconium crowns closely resemble a real tooth, it is more opaque than porcelain or ceramic. They are the best option for covering moderate to severe imperfections but may look slightly of a different shade than your other teeth. Your dentist must have a keen eye in selecting the right shade for your zirconia crowns.
Types of Bridges
Traditional Bridges
This is the most widely used type of dental bridge. It consists of two or more crowns attached to each side of a pontic or the false tooth that replaces the missing tooth. This means you need two natural teeth on both sides of the gap. These teeth are prepared by removing some of the enamel to accommodate the crowns that will be cemented on top.
This type of bridge is used when no teeth exist on one side of the gap or if it is not aesthetically desirable to prepare the teeth on both sides. Because only one tooth supports the pontic, the procedure must be carefully planned to ensure the stability of the bridge.
Traditional Bridges
This is the most widely used type of dental bridge. It consists of two or more crowns attached to each side of a pontic or the false tooth that replaces the missing tooth. This means you need two natural teeth on both sides of the gap. These teeth are prepared by removing some of the enamel to accommodate the crowns that will be cemented on top.
Cantilever Bridges
This type of bridge is used when no teeth exist on one side of the gap or if it is not aesthetically desirable to prepare the teeth on both sides. Because only one tooth supports the pontic, the procedure must be carefully planned to ensure the stability of the bridge.
Maryland Bonded Bridges
The main advantage of the Maryland bridge over other types of bridges is that there is no need to prepare the neighboring teeth. A traditional bridge requires the dentist to shave down the enamel of the adjacent teeth, a Maryland dental bridge is designed with metal wings that are bonded to the back of your teeth. It is a quick and less invasive procedure but is not recommended in patients with more than two missing teeth.
Fixed Implant Bridges
Implant-supported bridges are the best option if you have multiple teeth missing. This non-removable bridge is secure, durable, and functions like natural teeth. The downside is that it is more expensive than traditional bridges. There is also a wait time of at least five months for the bone to heal and integrate with the implant before the bridge is placed.
Procedure Details
Dental crown and bridge procedures typically require at least two appointments. The first visit is for dental assessment and preparation. The second visit is for placing the permanent crown or bridge.
First Visit
Treatment Planning
The treatment plan is the most important aspect of a successful restoration procedure. The essential steps in planning for a crown or bridge treatment are:
- Patient history
- A careful physical and oral examination
- Appropriate tests
- Diagnosis
- Treatment of existing disease (caries, gum disease, etc.)
- Prevention of further disease
The dentist will examine the tooth that is going to receive the crown. An x-ray is taken to check for tooth decay or injury to the soft tissue (pulp) inside your tooth. If the pulp is infected or inflamed, the dentist will do a root canal first.
Tooth Preparation
All abutment teeth that will support the bridge are filed or shaped. A local anesthetic is administered so you don’t feel any pain or discomfort. The amount of enamel that is removed depends on the type of crown you have.
Impression Taking
Traditional crown and bridgework require a flawless clinical impression. An elastic or rigid material is used to create a three-dimensional model of your teeth. This ensures a well-fitting crown or bridge. It is now possible to make digital impressions using computer-based methods. With this new technology, an image of the prepared teeth is captured and sent to a facility that fabricates prostheses.
Temporary Crowns
While your permanent restorations are being prepared in the laboratory, you’ll have a temporary crown/bridge to protect the exposed teeth and prevent the gradual drifting of the opposing teeth.
Second Visit
Crown Cementation
The restorations are inspected before cementing the crown to the tooth. Both the patient and dentist must be happy with the crown’s fit, shade, and contour. Otherwise, the crown or bridge may be redone.
Crown and Bridges Aftercare
To keep your crowns and bridges in top shape, you must be diligent about your dental hygiene and getting regular dental check-ups. The pontic or replacement tooth that rests in your gums is difficult to clean. You may need interdental brushes, bridge threaders, or water flossers to remove food debris that is trapped underneath the prosthetic tooth, as this can lead to plaque buildup.
Cost of Crowns and Bridges
The overall cost of crowns and bridges is influenced by many different factors including:
- Type of bridge chosen
- Dental crown material
- Location of the clinic
- Number of replacement teeth needed
- Additional treatment for tooth decay or gum disease
Check this page for our complete price list. Below are the average costs of crowns and bridges in the US.
BRIDGES COST
| TYPE | COST |
|---|---|
| Traditional | 450 – 700 Euro (three-unit bridge) |
| Implant-Supported | 650 – 1200 (per implant) |
CROWNS COST
| TYPE | COST |
|---|---|
| Porcelain Fused to Metal | 150 Euro |
| All-Porcelain | 300 Euro |
| Zirconia | 250 Euro |
Choose HLC Dental in Turkey For Your Crowns and Bridges
HLC dental combines sophisticated techniques and state-of-the-art facilities to achieve the best outcome possible for each patient. We offer a wide range of materials for your crowns and bridges. Our board-certified dental professionals will conceptualize a comprehensive treatment plan that is customized according to your needs and budget. If you want to learn more about crowns and bridges in Turkey, book an appointment today or give us a call at +90 537 9231610.
Crowns and Bridges FAQ
A well-placed crown or bridge has an average life span of 10 years. Some restorations can last for over 20 years with proper oral hygiene and regular visits to a dental professional. It is common to replace a dental crown every 10 to 15 years.
Same-day dental crowns allow you to transform your smile in just one dental visit. This is made possible by CEREC® crowns, which are fabricated from a single block of porcelain. Your crowns are scanned, designed, and placed on the same day. One-day crowns are created using computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) systems, so you need a clinic with this type of technology.
Dental crowns and bridges function like natural teeth, so you can eat all types of food without a problem. However, to protect your new teeth from cracking or falling out, you may want to limit certain foods in your diet. When you are eating hard snacks or sticky foods, try to chew with your molars unless they are crowns too.
The recovery period following a crown or bridge procedure is about one to two weeks. You may experience some pain or discomfort during this time. It is normal for your teeth to feel sensitive to extreme temperatures for a few days. All these adverse effects will subside in the coming days as your teeth and gums recover from irritation and inflammation.
The most common risks and complications associated with a dental crown or bridge are:
Chipped crown
Loose crown
Dislodged crown
Pain, discomfort, or sensitivity
Decay of tooth due to ill-fitting crown or bridge
Collapse of the bridge if the abutment tooth is not strong enough
