Crowns and Bridges

You may be recommended to get a dental crown for one of the following reasons:

• To hold parts of a cracked tooth together or to protect a weak tooth from decay
• To restore a severely worn down or already broken tooth
• To cover a tooth with filling for support when most of it is damaged
• To support a dental bridge and hold it
• To mask severely discoloured or badly shaped teeth
• To support a dental implant
• For cosmetic purposes

Crown is used on primary teeth in children to:

• Save a severely damaged tooth that cannot support a filling
• Protect teeth that are at a high risk of decaying in children who find it difficult to maintain daily oral hygiene

Crowns can be temporary or permanent. The temporary ones are made of stainless steel or acrylic-based material and are placed temporarily until a permanent crown is created in a laboratory. Permanent crowns are made of metals such as gold, stainless steel, ceramic, porcelain fused to metal, or resin.

Stainless steel crowns are more commonly used in children to fit over a primary tooth and prevent it from decaying any further. The crown comes out naturally when the primary tooth makes room for the permanent tooth. These types of crowns are preferred in children because they do not require multiple visits to dentists and are cost-effective.

Metal crowns are made of alloys of gold or platinum. They can withstand the force of chewing and biting excellently and last for the longest duration, rarely chipping or breaking. Porcelain plus metal crowns are matched in colour with the adjacent teeth, unlike metal crowns. They look closest to the natural teeth but are not as durable as metal crowns. Resin dental crowns are the least expensive ones but are more susceptible to wear down and chipping over time. They are more suitable for people with metal allergies.

Dental crowns last for five to fifteen years on average. Their durability depends on the extent of wear and tear the crown is exposed to and your dental hygiene habits.

Bridges are dental devices that are specially prepared to bridge the gap between teeth due to one or more missing teeth. A bridge usually is made up of two or more crowns on either side of the gap that is used to anchor it to the teeth. It is supported by natural teeth or dental implants.

Bridges help to:

• Give you your smile back
• Improve the ability to chew and speak properly
• Maintain the appearance of your face
• Replace missing teeth to distribute the forces in your bite properly

Dental bridges are known to last for around 5-15 years or longer if used properly, along with following good dental hygiene and undergoing regular checkups.

The Department of Dental Surgery at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Navi Mumbai comprises well-trained and experienced dental surgeons and allied staff who deliver dental care and treatment in accordance with international protocol. The department is equipped with comfortable chairs, a flash steriliser, and other advanced dental care equipment. Care is taken to ensure disposable materials are used during procedures to eliminate infections and complications.