Understanding the Materials: Choosing the Best Crown or Bridge for Your Needs

Wearied of the excessive toil and efforts to make your smile look flawless? Don’t allow the gaps and misaligned teeth to seize the million-dollar moment, rather go for aesthetic procedures like dental crowns and bridges to aid you in the process of transforming your smile. But the choice of materials in crowns and bridges appears to be tricky as people often end up choosing the wrong material, aggravating oral health.

What are dental crowns and bridges?

Dental crowns are caps made of various materials that cover a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its shape, strength, and appearance. They are often used after procedures like root canals or when a tooth is severely decayed or fractured. In this case, before embarking on this journey, it is essential to consult your family care dental clinic for expert guidance and the best care.

Dental bridges are prosthetic devices usually used for replacing one or more missing teeth. They consist of one or more artificial teeth that are anchored to adjacent natural teeth or dental implants, effectively “bridging” the gap created by the missing teeth. Both crowns and bridges play important roles in restoring dental health, function, and aesthetics.

Materials commonly used in dental crowns and bridges

Dental crowns and bridges are essential components of restorative dentistry, helping to repair damaged teeth and replace missing ones. The materials used in crafting these dental restorations have evolved, offering a range of options with varying properties, strengths, and aesthetics. In this blog, we’re going to delve into the most commonly used materials for dental crowns and bridges, outlining their advantages, drawbacks, and typical applications.

• Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal:

Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns and bridges combine the strength of a metal substructure with the natural appearance of porcelain. These restorations are versatile, offering both durability and a lifelike appearance. However, they can sometimes exhibit a dark line at the gum line due to the metal substructure.

• All-Ceramic:

All-ceramic dental crowns and bridges are popular for their exceptional aesthetics. All-ceramic materials have improved significantly in strength over the years, but they may still be more prone to fracture compared to metal-based options.

• Zirconia:

Zirconia crowns and bridges have gained popularity due to their impressive strength and durability. Zirconia restorations are known for their biocompatibility and can be used in both front and back teeth restorations.

• Metal :

Metal crowns and bridges, often made of gold or high-noble alloys, are prized for their durability and long-term performance. While they don’t match the natural colour of teeth, they are often used for molars where aesthetics are less critical. These restorations require less tooth structure removal but lack the cosmetic appeal of other options.

• Composite Resin:

Composite resin crowns and bridges are made from tooth-coloured filling material. They are more affordable and can be placed in a single visit, but they are generally less durable and may need replacement sooner compared to other materials.

• E-Max:

E-Max crowns and bridges are made from lithium disilicate ceramic, offering a blend of strength and aesthetics. They are known for their high fracture resistance and natural appearance, making them suitable for various dental restorations.

How to choose the material for dental crowns and bridges

In the case of dental crowns and bridges, there are a plethora of materials available in the marketplace. But you must not forget that each type of material has its perks and drawbacks. Plus, whenever you’re looking to opt for either a dental crown or bridge treatment, the material should be the first and foremost factor of consideration. Have no idea about how to choose the appropriate material for dental crowns and bridges? Follow the lowdowns.

Discuss thoroughly with the dentist of your family care dental clinic about metal allergies.

Achieving the natural smile is our primary goal and hence, it is always best to go for the materials that can offer you the most original look to reign over the world around you.

When choosing a material for your dental crown or bridge, prioritise the materials that are not at all fragile.

Care and maintenance of dental crowns and bridges

Caring for dental crowns and bridges is key to ascertaining longevity and maintaining sound oral health.

• Oral Hygiene: Maintain a regular oral hygiene routine by brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily. Clean around the crown or bridge carefully to prevent plaque buildup and potential gum disease.
• Soft Toothbrush: Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to avoid damaging the crown or bridge and the surrounding natural teeth. Hard bristles can lead to scratches or wear over time.
• Non-Abrasive Toothpaste: Choose a non-abrasive toothpaste to prevent scratching the surface of the crown or bridge. Abrasive toothpaste can lead to a dull appearance and compromise the restoration’s integrity.
• Flossing Technique: When flossing around a bridge, use special floss threaders or interdental brushes to clean underneath the artificial teeth and between the supporting natural teeth. For crowns, floss as you would with your natural teeth, being gentle to avoid dislodging the crown.
• Avoid Chewing Hard Objects: Refrain from chewing on ice, hard candies, or other hard objects that can put excess stress on the crown or bridge and potentially cause damage.
• Limit Staining Foods and Drinks: Reduce consumption of foods and drinks that can stain teeth, as well as restorations.
• Night Guards: If you tend to grind your teeth at night, ask your dentist about using a night guard to protect your crowns, bridges, and natural teeth from excessive wear.
• Avoid Using Teeth as Tools: Don’t use your teeth to open packages or bite into objects that could cause damage.
• Watch for Changes: Keep an eye out for any changes in the fit, comfort, or appearance of your crowns or bridges.
• Maintain a Balanced Diet: A balanced diet rich in nutrients contributes to overall oral health, which in turn helps in maintaining your dental restorations.
• Communication with Dentist: If you experience any discomfort, or sensitivity, or have questions about your crowns or bridges, don’t hesitate to reach out to your family care dental clinic for advice and guidance.

Summing up 

Despite your convenience factors and repeated vacillations over the dental crowns and bridges, it is ultimately a mutual decision that which material will be feasible for you. And even in some cases, dentists recommend mixing and matching two materials for better oral health and the best care. Or else, you’re free to check out the online options or informative blogs for sound decision-making.