Ceramic crowns and dental bridges

What is a dental crown

Dental crowns are used to substitute the visible part of individual teeth contributing to a better appearance. At present, metal ceramic crowns are used that are sufficiently resistant and aesthetically pleasing at the same time. Another possibility are all-ceramic crowns that look better. Previously, they were used exclusively for front teeth that are particularly demanding in terms of aesthetics; however, due to technological progress, this limitation has been removed recently. Aluminum or zirconium oxide crowns were developed as new generation crowns.

What is a dental bridge

A dental bridge is made up of individual crowns and replaces a group of missing teeth.

Who should undergo the treatment

Dental crowns:

Dental crowns are made for individual teeth in order to improve their shape, color and position or to provide for a better grip of removable dentures. Crowns are sometimes used also as a preventive measure to prevent fractures from occurring in teeth that are week or otherwise at risk. Classical crowns that cover the entire tooth surface or partial crowns, aesthetic veneers (made primarily for aesthetic reasons on covering over a tooth front surface), inlays - cavity fillings made in dental laboratories and root inlays which are used in the tooth after root canal treatment as a reinforcement of a dead tooth root structure all belong to dental crowns.

Dental bridges:

Dental bridges are used to make up for missing teeth and, in particular, to improve the chewing function of the teeth.  Each bridge consists of several crowns and the whole construction is cemented onto one or several abutment teeth that replace the missing teeth.

Before the treatment

If you are considering having a crown or a bridge it is necessary to undergo an initial assessment performed by a dentist who will check your teeth and decide whether this particular treatment is suitable for you, and explain its course and scope to you. You may ask any questions, in particular, questions related to the treatment, your expectations and concerns, during the discussion.

How is the procedure performed

Grinding is usually performed under local anesthesia provided by means of an injection. The procedure itself is painless; however, after anesthesia wears off, some ground teeth may be more sensitive for a while. An impression of the upper and lower jaws will be made and wax dentures are made. Until the bridge is developed in the laboratory, temporary crowns or a temporary bridge is secured by cement to fit to the reshaped teeth. The time period needed to produce a bridge depends on how difficult it is; however, the procedure may be speeded up for a special fee. The permanent bridge is placed correctly and fixed.

After the procedure

The life of dental crowns and bridges depends on the original state of the teeth that are cemented and on complying with rules on how to use them. Fixed dental replacements can only be recommended for patients with impeccable oral hygiene. Tooth plaque, dental tartar and gum bleeding mean that oral hygiene is insufficient. In such a case, the dentist can´t guarantee that the gum won´t recede and that the quality of the periodontium of reshaped teeth will be maintained. Ideally, cooperation with a dental hygienist should be promoted. After 10 years, an exchange of the fixed replacement tooth should be considered. Replacement teeth are able to substitute the function of the denture; however, they are still only replacements that are not equal to one´s own teeth. Some of them, especially those developed from ceramic materials, have to be used considerately. Ceramics don´t like fast and substantial changes in temperatures in the mouth or biting into hard food. Ceramic replacements can also be damaged during sports and any other impacts. Ceramic replacements are not suitable for persons who grind their teeth or who suffer from diseases with seizures (e.g. epilepsy).