Crowns and Bridges

 A crown is often the best way to save a tooth and strengthen it when a tooth is weakened due to decay and large fillings. Wear is another cause of weakening. A crown fits over the existing natural tooth and replaces the natural crown, the part of the tooth seen above the gums. Bridges replace one or more missing teeth. They consist of an artificial tooth anchored to the natural teeth on each side of the gap. Crowns and bridges are usually made of porcelain and gold alloy. Teeth have many functions apart from chewing and missing teeth should be replaced for the following reasons:    ▪    to improve appearance    ▪    to prevent stresses causing damage to other teeth    ▪    to prevent the teeth near the gap from shifting, which may lead to food packing problem    ▪    to maintain chewing ability, which is important for food digestion    ▪    to prevent jaw joint trauma due to unbalanced bite