Crowns and bridges

Dental crowns are dental restorations used to cover and protect a damaged or weakened tooth. They are custom-made to fit perfectly over the treated tooth. Crowns can be made of ceramic, porcelain, metal, or a combination of these materials. They are used to restore the shape, size, and function of teeth, while also enhancing their aesthetic appearance. Dental crowns are often necessary after a root canal treatment, to strengthen a decayed or fractured tooth, or to support a dental prosthesis such as a bridge. The process of getting dental crowns typically involves two visits to the dentist: tooth preparation and placement of the final crown. Dental crowns provide a durable solution for restoring the health and function of damaged teeth, while also improving the appearance of the smile. However, maintaining good oral hygiene is essential to ensure the longevity of dental crowns

Crowns and bridges

Ceramic teeth

Ceramic teeth are often used to restore crowns and bridges, particularly for anterior implants in the upper jaw. Ceramic is stabilised by a layer of oxide that sets at very high temperatures when fired in a laboratory. This method offers the most realistic results, with a natural colour and a shape perfectly similar to that of the original tooth. The colour of the ceramic can be adjusted according to the patient's needs, and it is durable over time, retaining its stability and colour for many years.

Dental crown

A dental crown is a prosthesis used to restore the aesthetics and function of a damaged, broken or badly positioned tooth. It is placed on the visible part of the tooth, above the gum line.

Fitting a dental crown is an aesthetic restoration process that strengthens and protects a damaged tooth. The crown can be fitted directly onto the natural tooth or onto a dental implant, depending on the patient's needs.

There are different types of dental crowns, which can be made from a variety of materials, including

Zirconia ceramic crown: An aesthetic option offering excellent strength and a natural colour.

Metal-ceramic crown: Made from a metal core covered in ceramic, this crown combines strength and aesthetics.

Ceramic-coated crown: Made entirely of ceramic, it offers superior aesthetics and excellent biocompatibility.

Gold-ceramic crown: Made from an alloy of gold and ceramic, it guarantees exceptional durability and resistance.

The choice of crown material depends on the patient's specific needs, the position of the tooth in the mouth and their aesthetic preferences.

 

Dental bridge

A dental bridge is a dental prosthesis used to replace one or more missing teeth. It consists of a set of interconnected crowns permanently fixed to the adjacent healthy teeth.

 

A dental bridge is made up of at least three components: the two abutments, also known as "support abutments", and the bridge. The abutments are crowns placed on the healthy teeth on either side of the space left by the missing tooth, while the bridge is the false tooth or teeth that fill this space.

The composition of bridges is similar to that of crowns, and different materials can be used, including :

Ceramo-metallic

Zirconia

Ceramic

The choice of material depends on a number of factors, such as the position of the bridge in the mouth, aesthetic requirements and cost. Ceramic bridges can be tinted to match the natural colour of the surrounding teeth, providing a natural, aesthetic result. Your dentist will be able to help you choose the most suitable material for your situation.

 

Crown restorations are recommended in the following situations:

• When damaged or broken teeth cannot be treated.
• When cracked teeth are sensitive.
• When there is a difference in tooth colour, particularly after endodontic treatment or after medicinal treatments that have caused a change in colour.
• In order to change the shape and/or colour of the tooth.
• When it is not possible to restore the tooth due to excessive decay.
• To close gaps between teeth (diastemas).
• To improve the appearance of slightly misaligned teeth, although orthodontics is generally recommended first.
• To restore moderately worn teeth.
• To improve the appearance of discoloured teeth whose whiteness cannot be restored by dental bleaching alone.
• To harmonise differences in the level and size of teeth.
• For patients who are dissatisfied with the appearance of their teeth, a crown can also be used to reshape a smile by, for example, increasing the size of the teeth.