Crowns and Bridges

Dental crowns and bridges are two common and reliable dental restorations that have been giving patients complete smiles for many decades. Thanks to advancements in modern dental technology, the two restorations are more natural-looking and comfortable than ever before.

At Gadkari’s Dental Clinic we offer patients high-quality crowns and bridges crafted from the finest materials in order to restore oral health and improve smiles.
What are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are custom-fabricated restorations that are designed to fit on top of the natural tooth structure. Used when a tooth has become damaged or affected by advanced decay, dental crowns are made of porcelain and are used to strengthen the form and function of the tooth. Dental crowns are also commonly referred to as dental caps.

What are Dental Bridges?
Fixed dental bridges are used when patients are missing a few consecutive teeth in a row. They consist of two dental crowns on each end of the restoration that is designed to support the artificial replacement teeth. The dental crowns are placed as caps over healthy teeth that are on each side of the space left by missing teeth.

What to Expect with Dental Crowns & Bridges
The process for dental crowns and bridges is completed over two appointments. During the first visit, the area will be numbed, and the teeth will be prepared for the dental crowns. Preparation involves removing a small amount of the enamel to allow the crown to sit on top of the tooth evenly with adjacent teeth.

Impressions are then taken and used by a dental laboratory to custom fabricate the final restoration. Because this process can take a week or two, a temporary crown or bridge is placed while you wait.
Once the final restoration is complete, you will return to the office for your second visit.

This visit is often shorter than the initial visit. The dentist will remove your temporary crown or bridge and then check the fit of your final restoration. Minor modifications can be made in the office before the final restoration is permanently cemented into place.

What is a crown

So what is a dental crown? It’s a cap, or cover, that dentists put over a tooth. Dental crowns bring the tooth in question back to its normal size, shape, and function. Crowns can even make your teeth stronger and improve the way they look. There are a few reasons you might want to get yourself a crown; cavities that are too large for fillings, teeth that are cracked or worn down, after having root canal treatment done, or to cover a badly shaped or discolored tooth and fix your smile.

Dental crowns can be made from ceramics, metal alloys, porcelain, porcelain that’s been fused to metal, or composite resin. Whatever the material, it will likely be colored so that it blends in with the natural color of your teeth.

Typical compositions of Dental Crown

Metal-alloy crowns – These are typically a mix of gold blended with another metal such as silver, platinum, copper, palladium, or tin.

Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns – These types of crowns are composed of a thinner layer of porcelain that is fused to a metal base or substructure. This option gives your dentist a better opportunity to match the outer porcelain to the shade of your surrounding teeth. These offer a more natural look than full metal crowns.

Full metal-free crowns – Non-metal crowns are growing to be the most popular, and typically what your dentist will recommend. These are fabricated from materials such as alumina, leucite, zirconia, and porcelain. These non-metal crowns are best for a natural appearance and should last the longest. When using CEREC, we will make your crown from porcelain or zirconia so that it best mimics the look, feel, and function of your natural tooth.

What is a bridge?

Bridges close the gap left by one or more missing teeth by using a combination of crowns and artificial teeth. It restores the look of your smile and redistributes the workload among your teeth more evenly.

There are several different kinds of bridges, so when you require one, we’ll talk about options with you that will provide you with the best solution. And, similar to crowns, if you take proper care of your bridge by flossing and brushing every day, it should last for about 10 years or longer.

Types of bridges

Traditional dental bridges are more popular than the other three. These use dental crowns on either side of the gap which hold the pontics (false teeth) in place. Dental crowns can also be referred to as abutments. These are cemented onto the teeth adjacent to the gap. The only downside to traditional bridges is that your dentist will have to remove the enamel from the adjacent teeth to make space for the crowns to be cemented on top.
Cantilever bridges are similar to the traditional ones, except only one side of the pontic will have an abutment supporting it, as opposed to one on each side. So this type can still be used if only one side of the gap has a natural tooth next to it.
Maryland Bridges consist of a metal or porcelain framework that holds the pontic in place. The framework is bonded to the backs of the two teeth immediately next to the gap. The only downside to Maryland bridges is that the strength of the bridge relies solely on the strength of the resin holding it in place.
Implant-supported bridges can be used when there’s more than a single tooth missing. These bridges use dental implants for support instead of crowns or frameworks. Normally, an implant is placed for each missing tooth. These bridges feel very comfortable and secure.

When to consider a crown or a bridge

Most often patients are in need of a crown or replacement when tooth decay has destroyed most of the natural tooth. The crown provides protection for the remainder of the tooth and root structure. Doctors may also recommend the use of a crown after root canal therapy on posterior teeth.

Using a crown in these circumstances will help solidify and protect the remaining tooth. Crowns can also be used as a cosmetic option to repair badly chipped and cracked teeth or to close space between teeth. Dental crowns for cosmetic purposes are often less expensive than other alternatives.

To fix a badly decayed tooth
To repair a badly chipped or fractured tooth
After root canal therapy (to protect the tooth & root structure)
To close gaps in teeth (aesthetic purposes).

During an examination, our specialists will evaluate for crown and bridgework. A bridge is used to replace a missing tooth or teeth. It is also a possible solution when dentures are unstable, uncomfortable, or aesthetically displeasing. If the following signs/symptoms are present, we will recommend restorative work.

Signs a crown is needed-

A cracked tooth without symptoms
The patient experiences sensitivity to bite pressure and temperature, particularly the cold
Deep Decay. Once the dentist removes the decay, there will not be enough tooth structure left to support a filling.
The patient has had or needs root canal treatment
The tooth has a large silver (amalgam) filling that is breaking down

Signs patient needs a bridge

The patient is missing one or more teeth
The patient has a removable partial denture but wants a more permanent solution.

Quick Crown and Bridge Recap

Crowns & Bridges can:

help you feel more confident
replace up to three missing teeth in a row at any location in your mouth (incisors or molars)
enable you to speak more clearly
restore your ability to eat the foods you enjoy
increase the variety of foods you can choose to eat
help to maintain face shape by supporting your cheeks, eliminating that “sunken” look
help plump your lips by replacing teeth in the front of your mouth
distribute chewing forces so that your remaining natural teeth or other restorations don’t have increased work, wear, and tear
stop remaining teeth from drifting into the space left by the missing tooth
increase your smile power
last for decades with proper care.

Crowns and bridges are one of the most popular restorations we place, with literally millions being worn globally. Because of the modern materials available to dentists these days, they’re beautiful, natural-looking, and undetectable. We’ve placed hundreds of bridges over the years so you can feel comfortable knowing your restoration will fit well, look amazing, and help you obtain optimal nutrition.

Adequate time spent with proper maintenance will lead to years of crown and bridge service. If you aren’t sure what special techniques your teeth require, schedule an appointment. As your dentist in South Mumbai, we’re happy to help!