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 are placed on a tooth. A crown covers the entire tooth, therefore supports the tooth and also helps in preventing from fractures. Crowns are made by removing all the old restoration, any caries and 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 sent to a laboratory where they use highly standardized techniques to fabricate the tooth crown. Crowns are generally made with a metal substructure for strength with porcelain over coating for its cosmetics. All gold or all porcelain crowns are also available. During the time the crowns are 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 who have missing teeth, a Dental Bridge may be a treatment of choice. A Tooth Bridge is a fixed restoration placed in place 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 place.
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.