Crowns
Crowns are used usually after root canal treatment to protect the tooth or for Cosmetic reasons.
In modern dentistry, the most aesthetic option for a crown (or cap) is the all porcelain crown. Nothing replicates natural enamel and dentin better than porcelain.
In the past, the porcelain systems were weaker, thus the base of the crown had to be made of metal and THEN porcelain was fused to that metal.(PFM). Though this is not an inferior option in terms of strength but it is a less esthetic option. PFM crowns give a dark hue, ugly gray line and a unnatural appearance to the gums over the long run so for front teeth this is not the best option.
The most latest option for crowns or bridges is Zirconia with porcelain fused to it. These are superior in terms of strength and esthetics and have upto 15 years of warranty given by companies like 3m ESPE . At CDC even the PFM crowns are machine made and come with a 5 year warranty unless patient chooses otherwise.
Bridges
Dental bridges is a treatment option for replacing a missing tooth. Bridges can be made of different materials.Nobel Metal with porcelain/ceramic , precious metal with ceramic, or an all porcelain bridge which is a highly aesthetic and functional option that will replace the lost tooth.
Who is a Candidate for a Bridge?
If you have lost a tooth or teeth for any reason that has resulted in a gap between your remaining teeth, you are likely a candidate for a dental bridge. Your other options are dental implant replacements, or removable partial dentures. When you schedule a consultation with we will review each of these options with you to find out which is the best treatment for you.
What are the advantages of an All ceramic Bridge over a Metal Ceramic Bridges?
Advantages of a porcelain bridge include:
- Dental bridges are a highly aesthetic option for replacing a lost tooth
- Cross Dental bridges look and feel and function like natural teeth
- All porcelain bridges do not have the ugly gray line at the gumline (like porcelain bridges that have a metal substructure)
Disadvantages of a Dental bridge include:
- The teeth on either side of the missing tooth/teeth must be prepared for a restoration
- All of the teeth in the dental bridge are connected, so flossing is more difficult
- If one tooth on the bridge has a problem, the whole bridge must be replaced