Crowns and Bridges
Crowns are regularly used when teeth have either been broken, largely destroyed through dental decay, or are excessively worn. Crowns are moulded in a dental laboratory and, unlike basic filings, act as support for what is left of the original teeth.
There are three types of dental crowns:
- Metal This type of crown can be made of gold alloy, palladium, nickel alloy, or chromium alloy. Metal crowns are ideal for use on the back teeth.
- Ceramic Ceramic crowns look like normal teeth and are ideal for use on the front teeth. They are mildly tough and are probably the most popular cosmetic option. These crowns are as good as crowns get in replacing natural teeth especially with small teeth.
- Porcelain fused to metal (PFM) PFM crowns are stronger than ceramic crowns and look like normal teeth. They are used to correct both aesthetic and structural damage.
Bridges are designed to fill gaps left when one or more teeth are missing. They are a fixed appliance, meaning only your dentist can remove them.
Bridges come in several types and traditionally use your existing teeth as support for ‘bridging’ your gaps. In these cases, the supporting adjacent teeth are prepared to become part of the bridge, and, once cemented in place, provide a seamless continuity of appearance and function.
There are different types of Bridgework available.
- Conventional bridge
- Adhesive/Resin bonded bridge
- Implant retained bridges
Your dentist will advise you about the different types and discuss which is the best option for your situation.