What are dental crowns and bridges?
Dental crowns and bridges are utilized by dentists to safeguard and repair teeth that have been damaged. In cases where tooth decay is too extensive for a filling, a dental crown is placed over the affected tooth. Crowns can also be used to seal teeth following root canal treatment or for aesthetic purposes. A dental bridge is employed to fill in one or more missing teeth by attaching crowns to healthy teeth on either side of the gap, with a false tooth bridging the space.
DID YOU KNOW…
Dental crowns are also referred to as “caps” because they cap the existing tooth structure in order to restore it.
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The Benefits of Same-Day Crowns
Lab-Made Crowns
Lab-made crowns are created by skilled technicians in dedicated dental labs. Your dentist will take impressions, scans, and photos of your teeth, which are then sent to the lab for crafting. These crowns are made using advanced methods and top-notch ceramic and metal materials. After completion, they will be sent back to your dentist for placement. Lab-made crowns are known for their lifelike look, comfortable feel, and lasting strength.
Same-Day Crowns
Same-day crowns are created in the dental office using advanced CAD/CAM technology. A handheld digital scanner is used to scan the mouth and create a 3D image on a computer. The dentist designs the crown digitally and sends the design to the milling unit, which shapes the crown from ceramic or porcelain blocks. The crown is then ready to be fitted and attached by the dentist within minutes. This efficient process typically only requires a single 1-2 hour appointment.
Traditional Bridges
Traditional dental bridges consist of two crowns that are permanently attached to healthy teeth, known as "abutment teeth," located next to one or more missing teeth. A metal framework supports false teeth, or "pontics," between these teeth to bridge the gap and restore your smile.
Cantilever Bridges
A cantilever bridge is a type of bridge that only requires one abutment tooth for support, unlike traditional fixed bridges which require two. This involves trimming a single adjacent tooth next to the missing tooth and creating a bridge with a crown and artificial tooth. The crown is attached to the abutment tooth, while the artificial tooth fills the gap left by the missing tooth, restoring your smile.
Compared to traditional bridges, cantilever bridges are less invasive as only one tooth needs to be trimmed, and they are often more cost-effective. However, a healthy mouth is necessary for a cantilever bridge, and they are typically only suitable for use in certain areas of the mouth.
Maryland Bonded Bridges
A Maryland bridge is a minimally invasive dental procedure that does not involve removing enamel or preparing neighboring teeth. It involves attaching a false tooth to adjacent teeth using a metal framework with "wings" that are bonded to the back of the teeth with dental cement. This technique can restore your smile without the need for invasive treatments and is commonly used for front teeth.
Implant Bridges
Implant bridges offer a long-lasting solution for replacing multiple missing teeth, as they are securely attached to dental implants for a natural appearance and function. Unlike removable bridges, implant bridges do not become loose or fall out, and can be maintained through regular brushing and flossing. They are also a cost-effective alternative to replacing each missing tooth with an individual implant.
The Same-Day Crown Treatment Process
Preparation of Abutment Teeth
The first step your dentist will take is to clean and numb your mouth. Next, they will carefully remove a thin layer of enamel from the two teeth adjacent to your missing tooth, known as the "abutment teeth." These teeth will serve as the foundation for your crowns, which will be securely attached to support your bridge for the long term.
Impressions
After your abutment teeth are prepared, your dentist will create impressions of your teeth using dental putty and trays. These impressions will then be sent to a dental lab technician who will use them to make your dental bridge.
Temporary Bridge
Your dentist will place either a temporary resin bridge or two temporary dental crowns to protect your prepared abutment teeth, depending on your specific needs. These temporary solutions will protect and maintain your prepared teeth until your permanent bridge can be installed.
Bridge Check & Adjustment
After the completion of your permanent bridge, typically within a few weeks, you will be scheduled for a fitting at the office. Your dentist may need to make minor adjustments to ensure the bridge fits properly and is comfortable. If more extensive changes are needed, the bridge will be sent back to the lab for further refinement.
Permanent Placement
After confirming the proper fit of the bridge with your dentist, they will securely attach it to your abutment teeth using strong dental cement. This will not only enhance your smile but also improve your ability to bite with ease.