Porcelain Crowns & Bridges Know The Difference Between Them

Porcelain crowns & bridges are types of prosthetics used to strengthen or replace damaged teeth. A porcelain crown is a cap used to cover and fortify a damaged tooth, while a porcelain bridge is used to fill in gaps caused by missing teeth.

How Are They Implanted?

In a typical procedure, the dentist reduces the size of the involved tooth or teeth to make space for the crown or bridge. He then takes an impression so he will know the exact size and shape of the needed crown or bridge, which is then custom-made at a dental lab. Ceramic or porcelain crowns & bridges are designed to match the patient’s teeth.

Since it takes several weeks to make a crown or bridge, the patient will be given a temporary model to protect the tooth or teeth while they wait. The dentist then bonds the permanent crown or bridge to the patient’s natural teeth.

Types of Crowns

Crowns can be made from metal, including gold, porcelain or both. Metal crowns are generally used for the back teeth. They are sturdier than other crowns and are thus less prone to breaking. Gold crowns are also biocompatible, and they won’t wear down opposing teeth the way porcelain crowns can. Their color is their chief drawback.

Porcelain crowns are the most-natural looking crowns, and they can even be designed to match the color of the patient’s teeth. They are therefore a popular choice for the front teeth. They are, however, less durable than metal crowns and are not a good choice for molars.

Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are the most popular type. They have a metal core coated by layers of porcelain. They are thus stronger than crowns made entirely from porcelain, and they look more natural than metal crowns. They can be used for both front and back teeth.

Types of Bridges

The traditional bridge is the most common type of bridge. The dentist makes crowns or implants for the teeth on either side of the missing tooth with an artificial tooth in between them. They are usually made of porcelain or of porcelain-fused-to-metal.

Cantilever bridges are used if the patient has a strong tooth for securing the bridge on only one side of the missing tooth or teeth. They are thus less stable than traditional bridges and are not recommended for the back teeth that do the bulk of the grinding and chewing.

The Maryland bridge, also known as a resin-bonded bridge, can be made of plastic, porcelain or porcelain-fused-to-metal. It consists of an artificial tooth with metal or porcelain wings attached to it. The wings are cemented to neighboring healthy teeth. Like cantilever bridges, Maryland bridges can’t take much stress and work only for front teeth.

Schedule Your Appointment for Porcelain Crowns & Bridges

When it comes to making a decision about porcelain crowns & bridges, it is best to schedule a consultation with one of our talented dentists at Implant and Comprehensive Dentistry. With offices in Champions Gate and Winter Haven, our team is happy to help you determine the right option for your particular case. Contact us today to schedule a consultation at one of our locations.