Types of Dental Crowns & Bridges: Which One Is Best for You?
Dental crowns and bridges are the most important prosthetic restorations, which can be used to not only reinforce a tooth that is heavily damaged but also to fill in the gaps in a dental arch with new teeth and recover the functional occlusion.
Understanding the different materials used in dental crowns and bridges, along with their specific clinical indications, is essential for patients. This knowledge enables them to make informed and confident decisions regarding their oral rehabilitation.
Types of Dental Crowns
Metal Crowns
Made from gold alloy or base metal alloys, these crowns offer excellent strength, biocompatibility, and durability. They are ideal for posterior teeth, where chewing forces are higher. However, their metallic appearance makes them less suitable for visible areas.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns
These crowns feature a metal core for strength and a tooth-colored porcelain outer layer for a natural look. Their use is common in both anterior and posterior teeth, where they provide an excellent aesthetic as well as a high level of reliability. The porcelain may chip slightly in small areas after a certain period of time.
All-Ceramic Crowns
They are famous for perfect aesthetics, as they are very close to the natural tooth in terms of light passing through. The front teeth are the ideal location for their use and patients having allergies to metal can also be their choice. They are strong enough, but their strength may be less than that of a zirconia fracture in a heavy bite situation.
Zirconia Crowns
Zirconia is very strong, resistant to cracks, and stable over a long period of time. Monolithic zirconia is used mainly for the back teeth, whereas layered zirconia gives a better look for the front teeth. In most cases, it is considered the best compromise between strength and looks.
Types of Dental Bridges
Traditional Bridge: Uses crowns on adjacent teeth to support the pontic; ideal when abutment teeth are healthy.
Cantilever Bridge: Supported by a single abutment tooth; used selectively due to torque forces.
Maryland Bridge: A conservative option using metal or ceramic wings bonded to the supporting teeth; suitable for replacing a single anterior tooth.
Implant-Supported Bridge: Offers the best long-term prognosis, stability, and bone preservation without trimming natural teeth.
Selecting the Ideal Crown or Bridge
The ideal crown or bridge depends on tooth location, bite forces, aesthetic demands, budget, and overall oral condition. A dental specialist evaluates these factors through clinical examination and radiographic analysis to recommend the most predictable and long-lasting solution.