Crowns and bridges are non-removable prostheses that the dentist or prosthodontist cements on teeth or implants to rehabilitate one or more missing teeth. Dental veneers are one of the most demanded dental esthetic treatments. This is because they allow us to improve the appearance of our teeth quickly and effectively.
In this way, the patient will not need another dental treatment that requires more time and will achieve the dental aesthetics he/she desires.
CROWNS
A crown is a restoration that covers the tooth to improve its appearance and rehabilitate its function. the case of an implant, it is attached to the implant, giving it the shape, appearance, and function of a tooth.
It is performed in cases of a tooth in poor condition, weakened by decay, discolored, or at risk of fracture. Also, crowns can be performed to place a bridge, cover an implant, or fill gaps of missing teeth.
It is generally recommended for adults, but on specific occasions, it can be placed in children.
Process:
➔ Appointment 1.
- Preparation of the tooth to place the crown.
- Anesthetize the area to be intervened.
- Cleaning of caries, filling of the tooth if it is broken or damaged, or extracting damaged repairs as the case may be. *The filling will be made with dental reconstruction material, whether resin or ionomer type.
- Filing of the tooth enamel, reducing its size giving it the proper shape, and preparation to fix the crown.
- Take the impression and color of the tooth.
- Fixing the provisional crown with temporary cement to protect the tooth or implant while the definitive crown is being created.
*In case the patient has implants after the general check-up, impressions will be taken.
➔ Appointment 2.
- By this appointment the definitive crown will be done and ready to set.
- The definitive crown will take approximately one week to be made.
- The provisional crown is removed.
- Placement and attachment of the new permanent crown to the tooth or implant with a definitive resin cement.
Zirconia
- Appearance is the same as natural teeth and does not change color over time.
- Dental zirconium does not generate any tooth sensitivity.
- It is the most durable and resistant crown alternative.
- It is metal-free.
METAL-PORCELAIN
Porcelain metal crowns
- They are metal crowns covered with porcelain.
- The metal makes the crown stronger.
- The appearance is similar to that of a normal tooth. May darken over the years.
- Duration: 5 to 10 years.
Premium Crowns
- Aesthetically more similar to natural teeth.
- It is a customized crown and is characterized according to the neighboring teeth.
- Duration: 7 to 10 years.
ALTERNATIVES TO CROWNS
INLAYS
An inlay is an alternative to a crown that is placed to repair or rehabilitate the functionality of a premolar or molar slightly damaged by caries, wear, or fracture. They can be made of Emax ceramic or porcelain. Unlike crowns, they require minimal grinding of the tooth enamel.
INLAY: Filling of the center of the tooth without covering the cusp of the tooth.
ONLAY: Filling that covers one or more tooth cusps.
BRIDGES
Bridges are dental structures composed of crowns and bars supported by the neighboring teeth or implants of the missing tooth. They are made to cover one or several missing teeth to prevent the other teeth from moving into the empty spaces and affecting the patient’s bite and gum.
It is the most viable option when there is no possibility of placing dental implants.
TYPES OF BRIDGE
- Traditional bridge: fixed bridge of two crowns on abutments (teeth or implants) and a pontic (missing tooth).
- Maryland: fix the floating tooth with a metal bar supported behind the neighboring teeth. This is a temporary restoration.
CARE
- Although the durability of crowns and bridges may vary depending on the material they are made of, good oral hygiene can prolong their life.
- To prevent them from wearing down, breaking, or becoming detached/loose we recommend:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
- Floss your teeth and use mouthwash frequently to prevent plaque buildup and cavities.
- Have dental cleanings annually or every 6 months.
- Avoiding hard and sticky foods.
- Wear a nighttime mouthguard.
VENEERS
This treatment corrects crooked, separated, crowded, or mounted teeth, thinking in very mild cases, since more serious cases may require orthodontics.
To place dental veneers, the dentist’s office must be visited several times. On the first visit, a mold of the teeth is made and the brightness and color characteristics that they will have are determined. Sometimes, the front of the tooth will have to be filed down so that the dental veneers will adhere better.
Once the mold is made, the dental veneers will be fabricated and the dentist will proceed to glue them onto the teeth with a special glue, made with resin cement.
We offer two types of dental veneers:
• Aesthetic composite veneers: made of an aesthetic resin very similar to the one used to make fillings and are usually recommended when the patient requires slight modifications. To place them, the tooth must first be lightly polished. Also, this treatment is carried out in a single session.
• Aesthetic ceramic veneers: in addition to being natural and resistant, they preserve the brightness and color of the teeth for a long time. Several visits are necessary for their placement.
Advantages of dental veneers:
- They correct the shape of the teeth.
- They cover interdental spaces and disguise fractures in the teeth.
- They solve problems of teeth that are too small.
- They whiten teeth.
- It is a painless treatment.
- They improve the appearance of the smile and the patient’s self-esteem.
- It is an esthetic, resistant, and long-lasting solution.
