Tooth Caps (Crowns)
A tooth cap, also called a dental crown, is a custom-made cover placed over a damaged tooth to restore its shape, strength, and appearance.
✅ When a Crown Is Needed
- Tooth is badly decayed
- Broken or cracked tooth
- After a root canal
- To cover a discolored or misshapen tooth
- To support a large filling
- Cosmetic enhancement
Types of Crowns
Type | Description | Pros | Cons |
Metal (Gold/Alloy) | Very strong | Long-lasting, great for molars | Not tooth-colored |
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) | Porcelain outside, metal inside | Strong + natural look | Can show a dark line at gums |
All-Ceramic / All-Porcelain | Tooth-colored | Best cosmetic result | Less strong than metal |
Zirconia | Modern ceramic | Very strong, tooth-colored | Can be pricier |
Temporary Crowns | Used during treatment | Short-term tooth protection | Not strong |
Procedure for a Crown
- Examination and X-ray
- Tooth shaping
- Impression or digital scan
- Temporary crown
- Permanent crown placement
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is used to replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth to the adjacent natural teeth or implants.
When a Bridge Is Needed
- One or more missing teeth
- To restore chewing and speaking
- To prevent teeth from shifting
- Cosmetic improvement
Types of Bridges
Type | Description | Best For | Notes |
Traditional Bridge | Crown on each side + fake tooth in the middle | Missing 1–2 teeth | Most common |
Cantilever Bridge | Supported on only one side | Limited cases | Not for molars |
Maryland Bridge | Metal/ceramic wings bonded behind teeth | Front tooth replacement | Minimal drilling |
Implant-Supported Bridge | Supported by implants instead of teeth | Several missing teeth | Most durable, costliest |
Procedure for a Bridge
- Prepare adjacent teeth
- Take impressions / scans
- Temporary bridge
- Permanent bridge placement