What Are Dental Crowns?
Crowns are fixed prosthetic devices that cover teeth or implants, restoring them to their original or desired shape, size, color, and function. Crowns can be made of porcelain ceramic, metal and ceramic hybrid, or gold.
Gold and metal-ceramic hybrids are usually best for the back molars because they are extremely durable. For front teeth, ceramic crowns are usually ideal: strong and natural-looking.
What Are Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge is a small set of connected crowns. In a three-tooth bridge, the center crown replaces a missing tooth while the other two anchor over the healthy teeth on either side. Larger bridges cover multiple missing teeth, and bridges can also fit over dental implants to restore a group of teeth.
When Do You Need a Crown?
There are many reasons you might need a dental crown, including:
- Fractured tooth restoration
- Permanently discolored or stained teeth
- Tooth restoration after a large filling
- Dental implant restoration
- Tooth restoration after root canal treatment
- Anchoring a dental bridge
How Long Do Crowns and Bridges Last?
Crowns and bridges are long-term restorations that can last 10 years or longer with good care, working exactly like healthy teeth. The team cements them into place for the long haul, and checks them at every appointment to make sure they stay in good shape.