Bridges

A bridge, also called a “fixed bridge” or a “fixed dental prosthesis,” is a dental restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth. It extends across an area that has no teeth and is typically made up of an artificial tooth fused between 2 crowns. (A crown is a hollow, artificial tooth that fits over a natural tooth or a dental implant). The bridge is held firmly in place by your own teeth on each side of the missing one(s) or by dental implants. A bridge is permanent and cannot be removed.

How a bridge is done

1. If you have healthy teeth on each side of a missing tooth (or teeth), your dentist files down the 2 healthy teeth to prepare them for the bridge. The natural teeth acts as an anchor to hold an artificial tooth or bridge in place.
2. Next, your dentist makes a model of your teeth by taking impressions (molds). The model is used to custom-make the artificial tooth (or teeth) and 2 crowns as one piece. This piece is called a bridge.
3. Meanwhile your dentist places a temporary bridge in your mouth to protect the exposed teeth and gums.
4. During your second visit, your dentist removes the temporary bridge and places the custom made bridge in your mouth. The crowns are cemented to your healthy teeth on each side of the missing tooth (or teeth).

With a traditional bridge, healthy teeth on each side of the missing tooth are prepared for crowns.

The custom-made artificial tooth is fused to 2 crowns. This is called a bridge.

Caps/Crowns

Caps or crowns are shells or jacket like cover which is used to protect, restore or reshape a tooth structure. Its is mostly followed after rootcanal treatment to provide strength to the teeth. Teeth which have large cavity which cannot be restored with fillings are also selected for crowns. Broken down , worn or chipped teeth are also considered for caps.