How Crowns and Bridges solve Dental Problems

Crowns and most of the bridges are fixed dental prosthetic devices that are cemented on the existing teeth or implants. These can be taken out by a dentist only.

How do Crowns Work?                 

A crown or "cap" covers the entire surface of a damaged tooth. It not only strengthens a damaged tooth, it improves its appearance, shape or alignment as well. It may be placed on an implant too to give a tooth-like shape and structure for function. Materials used to make a crown include porcelain, ceramic, gold and metal alloys, and acrylic. Crowns made of porcelain or ceramic match the color of your natural teeth. As the alloys are stronger than porcelain they are preferred for back teeth.

You may be recommended crown as a treatment option:

As a replacement of a large filling if there isn't enough tooth left
Prevent fracture in a weak tooth
Repair a fractured tooth
Connect a bridge
Cover up a dental implant, discolored or poorly shaped tooth, or tooth after root canal treatment

How do Bridges Work?

If you have one or more missing tooth a bridge may be advised. Missing teeth can cause:

 Remaining teeth to rotate or shift into the unfilled space of the tooth/teeth and cause bad bite.
Imbalance as a result of the missing teeth can lead to gum disease and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
 

Bridges may be used to replace one or more missing teeth. They fill the space of the missing teeth. The bridge is attached or cemented to the existing natural teeth or implants around the unfilled space of the missing tooth/teeth. Several different material are used to make bridges. Your dentist may advice you the material based on the missing tooth (or teeth), its function, aesthetic considerations and cost. Bridges made of porcelain or ceramic match the color of your natural teeth.

How Long do Crowns and Bridges Last?

Crowns and bridges can last for the rest of your life. But they can become loose or fall out. To increase the longevity of your crown or bridge maintain good oral hygiene. The bridge can be damaged if the teeth or bone holding it in place are affected by dental disease. To maintain healthy teeth and gums brush with fluoride toothpaste (twice a day) and floss everyday and go for regular dental checkups and professional cleanings. Do not chew hard foods, ice or other hard objects to avoid damage to your new crown or bridge.

What is a crown?

Crown is a fixed dental prosthetic device that is cemented on the existing teeth or implants. A crown or "cap" covers the entire surface of a damaged tooth. It not only strengthens a damaged tooth, it improves its appearance, shape or alignment as well. It may be placed on an implant too to give a tooth-like shape and structure for function.

A crown may be recommended as a treatment option:

As a replacement of a large filling if there isn't enough tooth left
To prevent fracture in a weak tooth
To Repair a fractured tooth
To cover up a dental implant, discolored or poorly shaped tooth, or tooth after root canal treatment
There are two types of crown--- prefabricated or made in a laboratory.

Prefabricated crowns: These can be prepared from plastic or stainless steel. They are mostly used as a temporary restoration until a permanent crown is made. Rarely prefabricated crowns are used for permanent restoration.

Materials used to make crowns include metal [gold alloy, other alloys (palladium) or a base-metal alloy (nickel or chromium)], porcelain fused to metal (PFM), or ceramic. 

  Dr. Claudio A. Sorrentino

  www.dentalpalermo.com.ar

Avoid these harmful dental habits

I know dental care isn't the most exciting topic, but healthy teeth are important and make for a lovely smile. 

Speaking of lovely smiles, remember the scene in Pretty Woman when Julia Roberts announces that "you shouldn't neglect your gums"? 

With that said, let's review some common bad dental habits that can lead to health issues like gingivitis. 

And since nobody likes getting that disappointing look from her dentist, make the doctor proud by avoiding these habits. 

• Brushing too hard or using a firm-bristled toothbrush. We all want to get that plaque off our teeth, but jamming your toothbrush back and forth with extreme intensity can permanently (as in forever) wear away the protective enamel on your teeth. It could also lead to increased tooth sensitivity and receding gums, the latter of which could require surgery. Ouch!
• Brushing side to side. I was a big horizontal brusher for years, and it was hard work to break this habit, but circular motions are the best way to clean your teeth gently yet effectively.
• Not brushing long enough. Two to three minutes is recommended.
• Not flossing daily or ever. Sorry to say, but a toothbrush only cleans the surfaces of your teeth. Using floss is the only way to clean in between your teeth, so if you don't do it daily, plaque can form and cause cavities.
• Using your teeth as tools. While your sharp incisors can help you rip open a package of trail mix, you're asking for trouble. This is a sure way to chip or crack your teeth or damage fillings.

What other bad habits are ruining your teeth and gums? To find out read more.

• Not using a fluoride rinse. Clinical studies show that by using both a fluoride mouthwash and a fluoride toothpaste, you can provide extra protection against tooth decay more than if you use fluoride toothpaste on its own.
• Not seeing the dentist regularly. OK, so going to the dentist isn't as fun as going out for ice cream, but if you don't get your teeth cleaned and checked professionally twice a year, you're bound to end up with some serious and painful dental problems, like a root canal, that could have you sitting in the chair for hours.
• Choosing white wine. While red wine can lead to staining, the acidity in white wine wears away tooth enamel.

It's time to vent. What unhealthy habits are you guilty of when it comes to your teeth?

  Dr. Claudio A. Sorrentino

  www.dentalpalermo.com.ar