👑 Dental Crowns

What Are Crowns?

• A crown is a tooth-shaped cap placed over a natural tooth or dental implant.

• Made from ceramic, porcelain fused to metal, zirconia, or metal alloys.

Why Crowns Are Needed

• Protect a weakened tooth (from decay or fracture)

• Restore a broken or worn tooth

• Cover a tooth after root canal treatment

• Improve appearance (shape, size, color)

• Support a large filling when there isn’t enough natural tooth structure

Procedure

1. Tooth is prepared by removing a small portion to fit the crown.

2. An impression is taken to make a custom crown.

3. A temporary crown is placed until the permanent one is ready.

4. The permanent crown is cemented onto the tooth.

Benefits

• Restores strength and function

• Protects teeth from further damage

• Improves smile aesthetics

🌉 Dental Bridges

What Are Bridges?

• A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring to adjacent healthy teeth or implants.

• Types of bridges:

  • Traditional bridge: Crowns on either side of the gap with a false tooth in between

  • Cantilever bridge: Anchored on only one side (used in limited cases)

  • Maryland bridge: Uses metal or porcelain framework bonded to back of adjacent teeth

  • Implant-supported bridge: Anchored to dental implants instead of natural teeth

Why Bridges Are Needed

• Replace missing teeth to restore chewing and speaking

• Maintain facial structure and prevent sunken appearance

• Prevent teeth from shifting into the gap

• Improve aesthetics and smile confidence

Procedure

1. Adjacent teeth are prepared for crowns (for traditional bridges).

2. Impression of the area is taken.

3. A temporary bridge is placed while the permanent one is made.

4. The permanent bridge is cemented onto the teeth or implants.

Benefits

• Restores bite and chewing function

• Maintains alignment of teeth

• Provides natural-looking smile

• Long-lasting when properly cared for

⚠️ Care & Maintenance

• Brush and floss daily

• Use floss threaders or interdental brushes for bridges

• Avoid hard foods that can damage crowns or bridges

• Regular dental check-ups every 6 months

🧾 Summary

• Crowns protect and restore a single tooth

• Bridges replace missing teeth using adjacent teeth or implants for support

• Both improve function, aesthetics, and oral health

• Proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits ensure long-lasting results