What and When?

A crown is a cap made of metal and/or porcelain that fits precisely over a chipped tooth. The crown is cemented firmly to the tooth.

Our dentists advise a patient to place a crown:
– if tooth decay has caused too much of the tooth to disappear for another filling to be made

– If the tooth is broken off due to an accident

– If teeth are very discolored, a crown may be chosen for cosmetic reasons

– If root canal treatment has taken place. As a result, the element is weakened and will eventually become more brittle.

Of course, placement is not done until the patient agrees with the recommendation.

Taking care of a crown is not very difficult. In addition to daily oral care – brushing well at least once a day and cleaning between the teeth – it is important to clean the edge of the crown well because this is where plaque easily remains. Brushing along the edge and a rag for between teeth is sufficient. Ask your dentist or dental hygienist(s) for advice.

Types of crowns

Patients have a choice of different types of crowns. In consultation with the dentist, the best type of crown can be selected and placed.

1. The Metal Crown
   A precious metal crown is a stable structure that almost completely covers the remaining part of the molar. On the part that is still present, the crown will be fixed. The precious metal crowns are cast in one piece and usually placed in the non-visible areas, i.e. in the back of the mouth.
2. The Porcelain Metal Crown
   The porcelain metal crown is more natural because the crown cap is baked with porcelain.The porcelain mass is baked onto the alloy and bonds with the metal substrate. Porcelain metal crowns are among one of the most accurate and durable dental products.
3. The Porcelain Crown or ‘Jacket’
   The porcelain/jacket crown is used mainly for crowning front elements. The crown is made of porcelain and resembles the natural tooth as much as possible. This, of course, requires a color determination. As a precaution for sufficient wall thickness, the natural tooth should be sufficiently ground on all sides. In doing so, care must be taken not to grind away too much dentin, because then the stump will become too weak and there is a possibility of ending up in the nerve. A porcelain crown can also be placed on an element whose nerve is dead. One shortens the element to the gums. A post buildup is placed in the root canal. This artificially restores the tooth stump and allows a porcelain crown to be placed on it. One can also choose to grind the tooth three-dimensionally and then have a full porcelain crown placed on it.

The fabrication of a crown is performed by a dental laboratory. The plaster impression of your teeth are processed into a crown by a dental technician through various swatches. So there is a certain amount of time between the buildup work and the “bite,” your first appointment and the appointment where the crown can be placed.

Bridgework

What is a bridge?

A bridge is made to replace one or more missing elements. A bridge is attached to two or more piers. These are the abraded teeth or molars on either side of the open space of the missing tooth.

A bridge consists of two or more crowns that fit on the pillars and a bridge intermediate part(dummy). It consists of one or more artificial teeth and/or molars that replace the open space.

There are several reasons why you may need a bridge: To chew better. Improving appearance. To prevent elements from misalignment and/or outgrowth If elements are missing, the teeth of the other jaw may grow toward the open space.

Also, the elements on either side of the open space may start to grow side by side, skewing. If the position of the elements changes, an unnatural bite can occur that strains the jaw joint. Additional wear and tear can occur, and this can eventually lead to pain and bothersome grinding and creaking of the jaw. These complaints are difficult to remedy.

Types of Bridges

1. Ordinary bridge. In an ordinary bridge, there are piers on either side of the open space.
2. Free-ending burg. In a free-ending bridge, the pillars are on one side of the missing tooth.
3. Etching Bridge. An etching bridge requires barely any grinding off of the intact elements. An etch bridge is primarily used to replace one or two elements. The bridge is bonded to the elements using metal mounting plates with a special cement on the inside. An etch bridge usually functions as a temporary device, such as while waiting for implants. A major advantage of an etching bridge is that it can be removed at any time, without causing damage. The disadvantage is low stability.

Method of crown/bridge work

If agreeing to place a crown or bridge, the patient should note that two appointments will be made. The first appointment takes more than an hour and a half (more time is needed for a bridge, depending on the number of elements). Then the edification work is done. An impression is taken of the element (and surrounding elements). This impression is then sent to a dental laboratory, where the crown (copy of the element in question) is manufactured. The element is ground and prepared after the impression so that the crown can be placed / cemented in place of the original element.
After about two weeks, the crown comes back from the dental laboratory. In the meantime, you will receive an emergency crown. Once the crown has arrived, it is placed on the patient as soon as possible. This second appointment is made at the same time as the first appointment and takes about half an hour. For each crown that needs additional placement, you should add about 10 to 20 minutes to each appointment.