Dental Bridges and Crowns
Anyone, at any age, can lose a tooth. A missing tooth affects your ability to eat and to speak, as well as your appearance. Dental crowns and dental bridges are two options for correcting the problem.
A dental crown is a cap made to fit over a damaged tooth. They are often made for teeth that are cracked or weakened due to tooth decay or the deterioration of an old, large filling. Our dentists may also recommend a crown after a root canal treatment if the existing tooth has become weak following the procedure. The crown covers the tooth, protecting it and restoring its proper shape. If your teeth have too much space between them, our dentists may recommend using a crown or series of crowns for better appearance. A crown usually lasts 20-30 years.
A dental bridge is made with crowns and is used to fill in areas where teeth have been lost. If you have lost one or more teeth between existing teeth, a dental bridge may be used to fill in the missing teeth. The bridge will help span the space with a crown that is attached to other crowns supported by the teeth adjacent to the space. Bridges may be made of porcelain or a combination of porcelain and gold. If one tooth has been lost, a bridge will be made with three porcelain crowns. If two teeth are missing, four crowns will be used.
Both bridges and crowns provide a natural appearance and facilitate eating and speaking. Our dentists will be happy to discuss your options with you depending on your budget.
Porcelain Fused to Metal Crown
Porcelain fused to a metal crown is a hybrid between metal and porcelain crowns. A shell of metal is first made to fit over the tooth, then a veneer of porcelain is fused to the metal, giving the tooth a natural finish.
Titanium Porcelain Crown
Titanium crowns can be shaped more easily than metal crowns. After the crown framework is cast in titanium, the tooth goes through an opaque process and a porcelain application is added to finish. Titanium castings are lighter than standard metal castings; hypoallergenic; mechanically strong; will not cause discomfort when eating hot/cold foods; and are physically neutral, with no “metallic” taste.
Zirconium Crown
The dentist’s preferred choice for dental crowns, zirconium crowns and bridges are so strong they can be used anywhere in the mouth. Zirconium crowns can withstand the biting pressure of the front teeth as well as back teeth grinding. Zirconium crowns allow light to pass through like a normal tooth and thus look more natural than other metal cores that block the light.
Metal Crown
A metal crown uses gold alloy, base metal alloy (such as nickel or chromium), or other alloys. Compared to other crowns, less tooth structure needs to be removed, and there is less chip and break with metal crowns. These crowns leave a metallic finish and are therefore only recommended for out of sight molars.
Temporary Bridge/Crown
Temporary bridges/crowns are made with acrylic or stainless steel. They are used as a temporary restoration until a permanent crown is constructed.
Removable plastic tooth
A missing tooth can be replaced by a set of “partial dentures.” A plastic tooth is mounted on a removable plastic or metal plate, relieving discomfort and embarrassment, and allowing you to eat and smile freely.
Imported plastic teeth
Teeth that are made abroad and then brought to our clinic to be made into dentures.
Domestic plastic teeth
Teeth that are made locally in Viet Nam, then made into dentures at our clinic.
Porcelain teeth
Teeth fabricated from porcelain, which substitute for a natural tooth.
Removable Frame denture
Titanium
Dentures made with titanium are light and very strong. They are recommended for patients who prefer a strong, metal-based denture that feels as light as plastic. Titanium castings are lighter than metal; hypoallergenic; mechanically strong; will not cause discomfort when eating hot/cold foods; and are physically neutral, with no “metallic” taste.
Metal
An impression of the jaw is made using an electrically non-conductive material. The impression’s inner wall is treated with a low-melting alloy and the interior is packed with filling material. Fixing pins are inserted if there are crowns, casings or bridges. An electric conductive coating is then made by vaporizing the metal layer and applying lacquer. The actual dentures are separated from the impression and forged with the intermediate metal base.
Metal dentures are more natural feeling than plastic dentures. They are also stronger and more stable.
