Dental crowns and Dental bridges and Veneers

Dental crowns are used as tooth replacements when the root of the tooth is strong enough to support the crown. The tooth is first grinded down so that the crown has enough space and can be placed on (anchored to) the tooth root. 

• The color of the dental crown can be adapted to the other teeth of the patient.
• The treatment is usually done in two steps - the first is taking an impression of the teeth, grinding the tooth down and putting on a temporary crown. After making the permanent crown, the crown is placed in the second step (approximately after 1-2 weeks).
• The entire treatment lasts about 3 weeks.
• The lifespan of dental crowns is an average of 10 years.

There are several types of dental crowns:

• In the past a resin and metal alloy crowns (gold, non-precious metals) were used - today they are used only as a temporary covering until a definitive crown is made.
• Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) crowns have an inner metal shell and ceramic cover.
• Porcelain or Ceramic crowns - strong and aesthetic dental replacements made of high-quality porcelain.
• Zirconia crowns - very durable crowns, metal-free, hypoallergenic. Composed of a zirconium structure and a ceramic layer.
• Cerec crown - a crown created by using a 3D scanner, which is designed by 3D software within 15 - 30 minutes. The whole fabrication is provided automatically and controlled by the device (CAD/CAM - Computer Aided Design / Computer Aided Manufacturing). The crown is ceramic (CEREC – Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramic). Due to the speed of production, it is also referred to as an express custom crown.

A dental bridge is a prosthetic replacement (fixed dental prostheses) for a missing tooth that is fixed to two (or more) of your own teeth.

• The bridge thus fills the missing tooth, what is important because the gap in the teeth causes the displacement of the other teeth and resuts into the bite disorder.
• Dental bridges are made from the same materials as dental crowns. Acrylic resin bridges are used as temporary bridges, in the past they were made of gold, today ceramic, porcelain fused to metal (PFM) and composite. Zirconia bridges are also available.
• Dental bridge therefore serves as a fixed (non-removable) replacement and meets hygienic and aesthetic requirements.
• The bridge is made in several sessions - an initial examination and assessment of the other teeth - whether they are suitable as pillars for a dental bridge. Then the teeth are grounded down under local anaesthesia, an impression of the teeth is made and a temporary (provisional) dental bridge is fitted. Once the dental bridge is fabricated, it is tested and attached.
•  A dental bridge can replace a maximum of 4 teeth.
• The whole treatment therefore takes around 3 weeks.
• The lifespan of dental bridges is around 10 to 15 years.

Dental veneers are ceramic or composite caps (overlays) that are glued to the front part of the tooth.

• The veneers can correct the deformed shape of the teeth, the gaps between the teeth.
• Veneers are thin (from 0.3 mm - 0.01 inches) and easy to wear.
• The tooth has to be gently ground down in order for the veneers to be bonded.
• They are not suitable for patients with thin and weakened teeth, teeth with damaged enamel and people with bruxism (night gnashing of teeth).

Teeth whose enamel is not completely destroyed can be treated by inserting ceramic inlays. These inlays are made to replace the missing part of the tooth and correct its shape.

Smaller fillings are used, which are inserted:

• To enamel (Inlay),
• On enamel (Onlay), or  
• Over the enamel (Overlay).

If the entire upper part of the tooth is damaged, a dental crown must be made.