Crowns & Bridges
What Materials are Used in the Creation of Crowns?
Dental crowns can be made of a wide variety of materials. Crowns can be made of different metals, including gold and titanium, although these forms are rather expensive. Porcelain and ceramic are both ideal materials for crowns because they are long-lasting and extremely durable. With proper care, dental crowns can last a lifetime. Temporary crowns are often made out of a composite resin. These are normally only put in place until the tissues of the mouth heal and the dentist can be assured that no more work needs to be done. At that time, a porcelain or ceramic crown is put in place.
What is a Bridge?
A bridge is exactly what it sounds like. It is a dental device that is made up of three or more teeth that are used to fill in a space where a tooth, or teeth, have been lost. The tooth on each end acts as an anchor and is designed to slide over the teeth on either side of the gap. The fake teeth in the middle are designed to look like the teeth that were lost. The bridge is bonded to the existing teeth so that they fit snugly against the gum line. Dental implants may be placed in the gap to help hold the bridge in place and give the teeth the appearance that they are real. Bridges can be made to last several years, or they can be created similar to a denture and removed when they are not needed.