
Crown treatment is usually completed in two or three visits. On the first visit, the tooth is prepared and impressions are taken, on the second visit the crown is placed. In some cases, a third visit may be required.
How are fixed dentures fitted? Dental health is an important part of our overall health and directly affects our quality of life. Healthy teeth not only provide a beautiful smile, but are also critical for healthy eating and speech.
In particular, prostheses made to replace lost or damaged teeth are of great importance both aesthetically and functionally.
Tooth loss can lead to digestive problems by affecting the ability to chew, and missing teeth can cause changes in the structure of the face, negatively affecting a person's self-confidence.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the two main treatment methods frequently used in dentistry, crown and bridge applications.
While crown treatment is used to repair teeth that have experienced excessive loss of material, bridge treatment is effective in filling the missing area by taking support from neighboring teeth in the absence of one or more teeth.
Both treatment methods are important ways to protect dental health and achieve an aesthetic appearance.
Crown treatment is applied to teeth that have suffered decay, fracture or excessive loss of material and aims to restore the function and aesthetics of the tooth. The treatment begins with proper preparation of the damaged tooth.
This involves removing the harmful tissue on the tooth and shaping it for a crown. Then, with the measurements taken, a customized crown is prepared for the patient.
Crowns can be made from a variety of materials, including metal, porcelain and ceramic. Each material offers different advantages in terms of durability and aesthetics.
The prepared crown is cemented and fixed to the tooth. The correct placement and bonding of the crown ensures a long-lasting and successful result. After treatment, regular oral care and dental check-ups are important.
Bridge treatment is a restorative dentistry method used to replace one or more missing teeth.
This treatment is usually performed when one or more of the adjacent teeth are missing. A bridge-shaped structure is placed in place of the missing tooth and this structure is supported and fixed to the intact teeth (abutment teeth) on both sides of the missing tooth.
Bridges usually consist of artificial teeth (pontics) made of metal, porcelain or a combination of these two materials.
The aim of bridge treatment is to improve chewing and speech functions impaired by missing teeth, to maintain the natural balance between teeth and to improve facial aesthetics.
Over time, missing teeth can lead to position changes in neighboring teeth and teeth of the opposite jaw, which can cause problems with jaw structure and bite function. A bridge helps to prevent such complications.
In such crowns and bridges, standard metal alloys (Ni-Co) or precious metal alloys (Au) can be used as substrates.
Gold is among the preferred precious metals in dentistry. It is preferred because of its compatibility with teeth and gums and the aesthetic advantages it provides.
These treatments use reinforced porcelain or ceramic materials that do not contain metal. Metal-free crowns and bridges are especially preferred for anterior teeth because they have high aesthetic properties that can mimic the color and transparency of natural teeth.
Metal-free bridges are used to replace one or more missing teeth and are supported by the surrounding intact teeth.
These bridges, with their metal-free structure, are especially preferred in the anterior tooth area because this area has more aesthetic importance.
The application process of metal-free crowns and bridges is similar to that of metal-containing ones. First, the tooth or teeth to be restored are prepared.
Next, detailed impressions of the patient's mouth are taken and these are used to fabricate the metal-free crown or bridge in the laboratory. In the final stage, the prepared crown or bridge is bonded to the patient's tooth or teeth.
Crown treatment is usually completed in two or three visits. On the first visit, the tooth is prepared and impressions are taken, on the second visit the crown is placed. In some cases, a third visit may be required.
In crown treatment, local anesthesia is used to prepare the tooth, so there is no pain during the procedure. Slight sensitivity or discomfort after treatment is normal.
With good care and regular oral hygiene, crowns can usually last between 5-15 years. The type of material and oral health habits can affect the lifespan.
Bridge treatments can usually last between 5-15 years with good care. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are important in prolonging the life of the bridge.
For the first few days after bridge treatment, it is recommended to eat soft foods and avoid putting pressure on the treated area. After an adjustment period, you can return to your normal diet.
Since the bridge is placed over the support teeth, it may put additional load on these teeth. However, with the correct application and care, this risk is minimized.