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Understanding Dental Crowns and Bridges
Dental crowns and bridges are types of fixed prosthetic devices designed to enhance your smile and restore functionality. Unlike removable options such as dentures, which can be taken out for cleaning, crowns and bridges are securely cemented onto existing teeth or dental implants. This means they can only be removed by a qualified dentist.
Crowns are typically used to cover a damaged or weakened tooth, while dental bridges serve to replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring to adjacent natural teeth or implants. Both options provide a durable solution for maintaining oral health and improving aesthetics.
Dental Crowns and Bridges at EZ Dental Care
At EZ Dental Care, a dental clinic in Singapore, we offer effective solutions for restoring your smile with dental crowns and tooth bridges.
Dental Crowns
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Starting Price: $750 (Subject to 9% GST)
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Includes: Consultation and X-ray
Our dental crowns, made from zirconia and porcelain, restore function and enhance the appearance of damaged or decayed teeth.
Dental Bridges
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Type: Non-surgical tooth replacement
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Benefits: Durable and efficient
Our dental bridges provide a reliable option for replacing missing teeth, helping to restore your smile with a quick and straightforward process.
If you're looking for a "dental clinic near me", our dentists are here to assist you. Contact us today to start your journey toward a brighter smile!
How Dental Crowns Work
Dental crowns, or "tooth caps," completely cover damaged teeth to strengthen them and improve their appearance. They can also be placed on dental implants for a natural look and function.
Materials for Crowns:
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Porcelain/Ceramic: Color-matched to natural teeth.
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Gold/Metal Alloys: Strong and ideal for back teeth.
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Porcelain Bonded to Metal: Combines strength and aesthetics.
How Dental Bridges Work
Dental bridges fill gaps from missing teeth, preventing adjacent teeth from shifting and causing bite issues, gum disease, or TMJ disorders. Bridges anchor to surrounding natural teeth or dental implants (abutments). A replacement tooth (pontic) connects to the crowns covering the abutments.
Material Options for Bridges:
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Porcelain/Ceramic: Aesthetic and color-matched to natural teeth.
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Metal Alloys: Durable and often used for back teeth.
What to Expect During a Dental Crown Procedure
Phase 1:
Consultation and Examination
The dentist assesses the tooth and discusses treatment options, including the type of crown needed.
Phase 3:
Impression
An impression of the prepared tooth is taken, often using digital scanning or traditional molds, to ensure a precise fit.
Phase 5:
Fabrication (2 weeks)
The permanent crown is made, usually in a dental lab, based on the impressions taken.
Phase 7:
Follow-up
Phase 2:
Preparation
The affected tooth is reshaped to accommodate the crown. This may involve removing decay and reducing the
tooth's size.
Phase 4:
Temporary Crown
A temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth while the permanent crown is being fabricated.
Phase 6:
Placement
Once the crown is ready, the temporary crown is removed, and the permanent crown is fitted and cemented in place.
A follow-up appointment may be scheduled to ensure proper fit and function.
What to Expect During a Dental Bridge Procedure
If you're considering dental bridges to fill gaps in your smile, here’s a detailed overview of what to expect during the procedure.
Phase 1:
Consultation and Examination
The dentist evaluates the missing tooth area and discusses the bridge options.
Phase 3:
Impression
An impression of the prepared teeth and the gap is taken to create a custom bridge.
Phase 5:
Fabrication (2 weeks)
The permanent bridge is created in a dental lab based on the impressions.
Phase 7:
Follow-up
Phase 2:
Preparation
The adjacent teeth (abutments) are reshaped to support the bridge. This may involve removing some enamel.
Phase 4:
Temporary Bridge
A temporary bridge may be placed to protect the prepared teeth while the permanent bridge is being made.
Phase 6:
Placement
The temporary bridge is removed, and the permanent bridge is fitted and cemented into place.
A follow-up appointment may be scheduled to check the fit and comfort of the bridge.
After Receiving Your Dental Crown and Dental Bridge
Once you've received your dental crown or dental bridge, it’s crucial to follow specific guidelines to ensure optimal healing and the longevity of your restorations.
Initial Care
For the first 24 hours after your dental restoration is cemented, avoid chewing hard foods. This waiting period allows the dental cement to set properly and achieve maximum strength, ensuring your restoration stays securely in place.
Managing Sensitivity
It's normal to experience mild sensitivity to hot or cold foods following the procedure. This sensitivity typically improves within a few weeks. However, if it lasts longer than six weeks, please contact your dental clinic for guidance.
Avoid Certain Foods
To protect your new dental crown or dental bridge, refrain from chewing ice, hard objects, and sticky foods or candies that could dislodge your restorations. This precaution helps maintain the integrity of your dental work.
Maintaining Oral Health
To ensure the longevity of your dental crowns and dental bridges and to prevent future decay or damage, follow these essential oral care tips:
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Brush and Floss: Maintain a consistent routine of brushing and flossing after meals and before bedtime to keep your mouth healthy.
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Use Antibacterial Rinse: Swish vigorously with an antibacterial mouthwash for at least 30 seconds daily to combat harmful bacteria and support gum health.
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Regular Check-Ups: Schedule regular dental check-ups every six months at your dental clinic. Early detection of potential issues around your restorations can lead to simpler, less costly solutions. Neglecting these visits is a leading cause of restoration failure.
By following these guidelines, you can enjoy your new dental crown or dental bridge while ensuring the health of your smile for years to come. Prioritize your oral health, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist for any questions or concerns!
Who is the Right Candidate for Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges?
To determine if you're a suitable candidate for dental crowns or dental bridges, consider these key qualifications:
Missing Teeth
For dental bridges, you must be missing one or more adjacent teeth, ideally in a consecutive manner. In contrast, dental crowns are designed to cover and protect damaged teeth.
Good Oral Health
Candidates should have no active tooth decay, gum disease, or other dental issues that need treatment before receiving either crowns or bridges.
Strong Supporting Teeth
For dental bridges, the adjacent teeth (known as abutment teeth) must be healthy and robust enough to support the bridge. For dental crowns, the tooth being capped should be structurally sound.
Good Overall Health
Your general health plays a significant role. Conditions such as infections or serious medical issues can complicate the procedures and affect healing.
Diligent Oral Hygiene
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is crucial for both dental crowns and dental bridges. This includes regular brushing, flossing, and scheduling routine dental check-ups.
Bite Alignment
Proper bite alignment is necessary, particularly for dental crowns. Misalignment can lead to complications and discomfort after the procedure.
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Are implant-supported dentures safe?Yes, Implant-supported dentures are a safe and effective option for achieving long-lasting, functional, and aesthetically pleasing results. At EZ Dental Care, we follow set standards of care for every procedure, providing you with reassurance as you work on your smile.
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What is healing with implant-supported dentures like?After the insertion of dental implant posts into the jaw, patients enter a phase called osseointegration, where the bone fuses with the implants. This process mimics the function of natural tooth roots. Generally, after three to six months, patients are ready to receive permanent dentures affixed to the implants.
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How long do implant dentures last?With proper care, regular dentures typically last five to seven years before needing repair or replacement. In contrast, implant-supported dentures can last ten years or longer, with some patients enjoying them for a lifetime.
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Are implant dentures your ideal option?To determine your eligibility for implant-supported dentures, it’s ideal to consult with our dental professionals. We are here to answer any questions you may have and guide you through your options.
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Is getting implant-supported dentures painful?Our patients generally report minimal discomfort after the procedure. While there may be some tenderness on the day of surgery, others feel fine the following day and can resume normal activities without needing pain relief.
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Is it possible to sleep while wearing implant dentures?You can sleep with your implant dentures, but it’s crucial to clean them regularly. Rinsing and brushing the attached plate and artificial teeth helps prevent gum disease and implant failure.
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Do implant dentures offer advantages over traditional dentures?Yes, implant-supported dentures provide an ideal quality of life compared to traditional dentures. They effectively restore the function and appearance of natural teeth, though some may still prefer conventional options for various reasons.
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