Crowns are an alternative way to achieve a desired smile or to strengthen otherwise compromised teeth. Patients who are candidates for crowns generally have a large amount of decay, large fillings, or fractures lines due to stresses on these teeth. Teeth which are compromised in this way are weak and susceptible to fractures or breaking. To avoid these from occurring, crowns area placed on. A crown covers the entire tooth, therefore supports the tooth and also helps in preventing from fractures. Crowns are made by removed all the old restoration, any caries, fractures from the teeth, and shaping approximately 2 mm of the perimeter of the teeth. An impression is made from the tooth/teeth, which is send to a laboratory where they use highly standardized techniques to fabricate the crown
Crowns are generally made with a metal substructure for strength with a porcelain over coating for its cosmetics. All gold, or all porcelain crowns area also available. During the time the crowns area made, the patient wears a temporary crown used to protect the teeth, which is generally very comfortable. In many cases the patients can go to the lab to have a customized shade chosen for the crown. This allows the patient to have an active roll in the shade and shape of the permanent restoration and convey any cosmetic concerns to the laboratory prior to having the crown completed.
For patients that are missing teeth, Bridge may be a treatment of choice. A Bridge is a fixed restoration placed in placed of missing teeth, and is not removable. The technique used in making the Bridge is very similar to the one used for making a crown. With the exception that with a bridge the teeth in front and back of the missing tooth are prepared.
The laboratory fabricates the teeth using hi quality techniques and products, and the restoration is cemented in placed.
It is important for patients to realize that with bridges, crowns, veneers or any other dental restoration, it is still possible to develop decay on these teeth. To prevent any serious problems, patients must make sure to keep optimal oral hygiene standards, and regular check ups are necessary.
