Crowns & Bridges

Dental Crowns & Bridges

A dental crown is a tooth shaped restoration that covers the tooth thus improving the size, shape, strength, and appearance of the tooth. A crown is a cap that completely encases the visible tooth surface including the gum line when cemented over the tooth structure. In general, crown is an artificial, synthetic tooth that is designed from wide range of materials in order to improve an aesthetic appearance as that of a natural tooth.

Crowns are usually designed from ceramic, porcelain or metals like gold and also various material combinations which are basically fused between porcelain casing and various metals. Permanent crowns are usually made of porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM), metal, resin, or a complete ceramic. In general, crowns can vary based on the used type of material.

Some of the different types of crowns include All-porcelain or All-ceramic crowns- which can naturally match with the tooth color, indicated for front teeth and metal allergic patients; Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns- which can match best with the adjacent teeth thus providing a natural look, indicated for both front and back teeth; Metal crowns that are made of palladium alloy, gold alloy, or a base-metal alloy like chromium or nickel- which can last longer but not esthetic, indicated for out-of-sight molars; All-resin crowns- are cost effective and prone to fractures; temporary crowns made of stainless steel or acrylic- are designed in dental practice; and permanent crowns- are designed by dental laboratory.

Differences between PFM versus all e-max and zirconia crowns

Porcelain fused to metal dental crown (PFM)

Porcelain fused to metal crown (PFM) is a full cast crown that is constructed by fusing the porcelain to all or most of the metal surfaces. At Nechupadam dental we have been using These crowns for the last 40 years.

Indications of porcelain fused to metal crown

A PFM dental crown is indicated in case of minimal inter-occlusal clearance that requires a stronger restoration. It is also used on any tooth that requires a full crown for preventive and restorative purposes.

Contraindications of PFM dental crown

PFM dental crown is contraindicated when the size of the tooth pulp is negligibly smaller thus compromising the tooth preparation process. It is also contraindicated when the clinical tooth crown is very short and lacks the required stability including retention that is enough to provide the space for porcelain and metal.

Advantages of PFM dental crown

The major advantage of PFM crown is its metal substructure that provides adequate strength. The cost efficiency also matters as this is almost half the price

Disadvantages of PFM crown

PFM crown requires removal of 1.5 mm of buccal tooth substance to place the porcelain and metal layers. It lacks esthetic look due to its opaque metal layer. An e-max or a zirconium crown can be a best option when one is looking for an aesthetic appearing tooth crown.

E-Max Crown

The E-Max dental crown is considered to be a best inclusion in dental crown technology. It is a form of all-ceramic crown which provides best aesthetic appearance by complimenting with the natural teeth and it lasts longer. It has an appealing translucent color and is highly durable with extra strength. Emax crown is generally constructed by 4 techniques: Pressed, milled Yttrium Zirconia, pressed to Zirconia, and a milled esthetic glass.

Indications of E-Max crown

E-max crown is indicated for stained or damaged teeth with poor quality and to provide an aesthetic look.The E-max crown consists of a block of top grade material, lithium di-silicate ceramic which assures correct fitting, durability, toughness, and opaqueness thus it is priced more. The crown is also made of a glass ceramic crown that is endurable with a higher toughness but still providing a delicate look.

Advantages of E-max crown

The E-max crown has a lifelike shape and transparent color that provides an exact color match with the patient’s own natural teeth. It has no metal alloy base thus does not affect the aesthetics around the gum line. The crown is long lasting, strong, and less prone to fractures when compared to other traditional crown types. When compared to zirconia crowns, an E-Max crown is less likely to get chipped.

Disadvantages of E-max crown

The only disadvantage of E-max crown is its high cost especially during tooth preparation. It requires a premium crown placement without tooth preparation and hence it is more expensive when compared to its other crown counterparts. In addition, e-max crown is not suitable for all patients and one should discuss it with dentist about availability and whether it is the appropriate one.

Zirconia crown

A zirconia crown is made of a strong, biocompatible material, zirconia which is also used in medical applications like artificial joints. It is a well-known, type of all-ceramic crown which significantly improves the tooth appearance that has been previously disfigured or stained for years.

Different types of zirconium dental crowns include:
  • glass-infiltrated zirconium toughened alumina (InCeram Zirconia)
  • yttrium cation-doped tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (Cercon Zirconia)
  • partially stabilized zirconium (Mg-PSZ)
  • shrinkage free ZrSiO4 ceramic
  • Cercon Base ZrO2 sintered crown

Advantages of zirconia crown

Zirconia is a crystal form that is indestructible and lasts longer. It has adequate strength and durability. In fact, its crown cannot be spotted amongst natural teeth. Patients are least likely to develop an allergic reaction to zirconia and thus considered a safe option when compared to porcelain fused to metal crowns.

Zirconia crown is long lasting, easy to wear and durable when compared to other crowns. The translucent appearance of zirconia crowns blends well with the natural teeth color and thus provides the most pleasing appearance. It requires minimal tooth preparation thus preserves most of the original tooth substance which is also favorable while removing the crown. Hence, zirconia crown is an ideal option to cover-up the damage including stains and to restore the tooth function.

Disadvantages of zirconia crown

The zirconia crown is tough, durable and possesses abrasive quality thus imposing the friction against the tooth root including neighboring teeth. Hence, an E-max crown could be a favorable option for cases that require preservation of the root structure.

If you want a smile that's your crowning glory, you may need a crown to cover a tooth and restore it to its normal shape and size. A crown can make your tooth stronger and improve its appearance.A crown can cover and support a tooth with a large filling when there isn't enough tooth material left. It can be used to attach a bridge, protect a weak tooth from breaking, or restore one that's already broken. A crown is a good way to cover teeth that are discolored or badly shaped. It's also used to cover a dental implant.

When we recommend a crown, it's probably to correct one of these conditions. At Nechupadam our primary concern like yours, is to help you keep your teeth healthy and your smile bright -- literally, your crowning glory.

Bridges If you're missing one or more teeth, you may notice a difference in chewing and speaking. There are options to help restore your smile.

Bridges help maintain the shape of your face, as well as alleviating the stress in your bite by replacing missing teeth.

Sometimes also called a fixed partial denture, a bridge replaces missing teeth with artificial teeth, which looks great, and literally bridges the gap where one or more teeth may have been. The restoration can be made from gold, alloys, porcelain (Ceramic), or a combination of these materials and is bonded onto surrounding teeth for support with the help of crowns.

Unlike a removable denture, which you take out and clean, a fixed bridge can only be removed by a dentist. At Nechupadam we have a dedicated team to deliver high quality bridges any number of units within 3 visits including consultation. The procedure could be done within a week's time.

Call Dr Thomas now @ 0091 9387 277 213 now or mail at ceo@nechupadam.com