The Advantages of Crowns and Bridges
The unmatched value of crowns and bridges lies primarily in the fact that patients almost always accept this type of restoration without difficulty. Crowns and bridges are perceived as natural teeth, not as “replacement” teeth like removable dentures. A bridge restores not only chewing ability but also a person’s aesthetics and speech function. With crowns and bridges, you can chew effectively, since the fine control of the chewing system remains intact, while the dentist has the opportunity to precisely and permanently restore tooth surfaces. The durability of crowns and bridges is excellent, offering a long lifespan.
The main reason for placing a crown is extensive damage to a tooth affected by decay, especially when there is no way to securely restore it. When the entire natural layer of enamel is replaced, it is referred to as an (artificial) crown.
When Are Crowns or Bridges Indicated?
Indications for individual crowns include:
- Restoring and permanently protecting a tooth weakened by decay and large fillings.
- Replacing hard tissue lost due to wear (excessive chewing) or trauma.
- Correcting tooth position and shape anomalies or performing aesthetic corrections.
A dental bridge may be needed, for example, if a tooth never erupted or if a tooth was lost due to decay, periodontal disease, or trauma.
Contraindications for Crowns and Bridges
Patients younger than 18 years, as the jaw is still growing.
The use of crowns and bridges primarily depends on the size and location of tooth damage. The goal is to restore the entire dental arch for as long as possible and maintain it permanently.
Covering a tooth with a suitable material such as a metal alloy or zirconia ceramic is called a crown. The purpose of a crown is to restore the tooth and preserve it for as long as possible.
Crowns are mainly used when large parts of a tooth are completely destroyed.
Bridges are used to replace multiple missing teeth.
