Tooth loss resulting from tooth decay, gum disease, and trauma is a situation that almost everyone faces at least once in their life. Regardless of the cause, there are many dental treatments used to replace lost teeth.
Prosthetic dental treatment, or prosthesis as it is commonly known, is a treatment method that makes it possible to fill the gaps created by tooth loss using various prostheses. A crown and bridge prosthesis is among the promising methods for patients experiencing tooth loss. So, what is a crown and bridge prosthesis?
A crown and bridge prosthesis is a type of restoration that addresses substance loss in the tooth structure, restoring teeth to their former healthy appearance. It is performed by reshaping the healthy teeth on either side of the area of tooth loss, known as adjacent teeth, to securely anchor the added bridge prosthesis structure.
To have a natural tooth structure, you can benefit from our implant service.
In prosthetic dental treatment, more than one type of prosthesis is used, and which type will be used is determined by the extent of the patient’s tooth loss. The types of prostheses used in prosthetic dental treatment are as follows:
Removable prostheses are applied in cases of extensive tooth loss. Removable prostheses can be taken in and out.
Complete dentures are one of the methods preferred when there are no teeth left in the mouth. Complete dentures, also known as palates, are known for having a pink gum-like appearance in addition to the teeth.
Fixed prostheses, unlike other types, are among the prostheses that cannot be removed and reinserted. A crown and bridge prosthesis is a type of fixed prosthesis. One of the methods used to restore the patient’s intraoral integrity by closing the gap created by the loss of one or more teeth with the help of prosthetic teeth is the crown and bridge prosthesis treatment. It is not applied to the entire mouth, but only to the area where tooth loss has occurred. So, how is a crown and bridge prosthesis made?
A bridge prosthesis is applied with the help of existing teeth, that is, the natural teeth that have been in the mouth from the beginning. The first among the stages of making a crown and bridge prosthesis is the reduction of the teeth next to the gap. The reduction of the teeth next to the gap or the damaged teeth to an appropriate size and angle is very important for the course of the treatment. Afterwards, a porcelain structure is added on top of the reduced teeth, and the bridge prosthesis is completed.
It is generally a procedure that consists of several sessions. After the teeth are reduced, a temporary prosthesis is usually made for the patient so that they do not experience difficulties until the fixed prosthesis is prepared. After the custom-fitted prosthesis is placed, routine check-ups may be performed by the dentists to ensure that the patient is accustomed to the prosthesis and to prevent the feeling of having a foreign object in the mouth.
At Hayat Dental Clinic, as with all our patients, we provide detailed post-treatment control for our patients who have undergone prosthetic treatment and ensure that problems such as a feeling of tightness in the mouth do not occur. We aim to achieve 100% satisfaction by staying in communication with our patients not only during the treatment process but also after the treatment.
While applying a crown and bridge prosthesis, many materials are used, including porcelain, ceramic, zirconium, metal, and nickel. The most effective factor that distinguishes the types of prostheses from each other is which materials are used in the construction of the prosthesis. There are 4 different types of crowns used in the construction of the prosthesis:
One of the types of fixed prostheses used to restore the former shape of damaged or decayed teeth is the porcelain-fused-to-metal crown. While the outer coating is made of porcelain, the inner parts must be supported by metal or nickel.
A zirconia-supported porcelain crown, thanks to its light-transmitting property, allows for a more natural appearance under the porcelain. It is a very ideal option for those who want to avoid an artificial look. It is a good alternative for those with metal allergies.
Empress crowns are one of the types of ceramic prostheses known for their durability. Since they can provide light transmission, they are preferred more for the front teeth. They are made using a ceramic dental crown on the outside as well as on the inside, without the use of any metal.
Finally, laminate porcelain veneers are applied only to the front surfaces of the teeth and are performed by bonding very thin porcelain leaves. They do not require the healthy teeth to be cut down in large proportions and look like natural teeth thanks to their high light transmission.
A crown and bridge prosthesis can be applied to the vast majority of patients with tooth loss, except for those who have lost all their teeth. Whether you are a suitable candidate for the treatment will be determined as a result of an examination performed by your dentist. The benefits of a crown and bridge prosthesis for the patient can be listed as follows:
At Hayat Dental Clinic, we are always at your service with our expert and experienced dentists. If you are struggling with tooth loss and want to regain your old smile and health, you can contact us through our website.
What is a crown and bridge in prosthetic dentistry?
The dental treatment called a crown and bridge is the process of fitting fixed prostheses made of porcelain and metal onto existing teeth after they have been reduced in size to close edentulous gaps.
What does prosthetic dentistry deal with?
Prosthodontics is a branch of dentistry effective in correcting deformities and deficiencies in teeth. In case of tooth loss or fracture, it allows for the restoration of dental integrity.
How long does prosthetic dental treatment take?
Although it varies from individual to individual and according to the coating material used, prosthetic dental treatment takes an average of 6 sessions.
