Porcelain and Zirconium crowns and bridges

• Crowns

When a tooth is too badly damaged to be repaired using a filling, the dentist must cover it with a crown in order to prevent further damage. Crowns are highly recommended for teeth which have undergone root canal treatment. They may also be used to:

1. Repair broken teeth
2. Cover teeth with large fillings
3. Correct the bad position, shape or color of a tooth
4. Correct dental occlusion, i.e. contact between the teeth.

A crown can be made of porcelain on a metal base, of porcelain only or of metal (gold), when esthetic aspects are of no concern. Moreover, some devices now enable dentists to create custom-made ceramic crowns in their own office. Before fitting a crown, it may be necessary to perform root canal treatment in order to install a pin (inlay core) onto which the crown will be fixed.

The longevity of a crown varies according to:

1. The extent of tooth damage
2. The quality of the supporting bone and gums
3. The materials used
4. Occlusion, i.e. the way in which the crown comes in contact with the teeth of the opposing jaw.
5. The lifespan of a crown can also vary according to the dental care of the patient.

• Bridges

This type of bridge, also known as a fixed dental prosthesis, is permanently anchored to adjacent teeth using a porcelain-covered metal frame. It makes it possible to replace one or several teeth.
Source: Ordre des dentistes du Québec