Replacement of missing teeth can be done with fixed or removable prosthesis.
Fixed Prosthesis Includes
1. Crowns And Bridges
2. Implants
Crowns And Bridges
Bridges and crowns are fixed prosthetic devices that are cemented onto existing teeth or implants.
Crowns
Crowns are used most commonly to entirely cover a damaged tooth or cover an implant. The primary function is to protect the underlying tooth and restore form, function and aesthetics. There are temporary crowns which are made of acrylic.
There are permanent crowns made of different materials like white metal(co-cr), porcelain fused to metal (ceramic), Zirconia, Bruxzir etc.
They are cemented to natural tooth or implant abutment with a luting cement. These can’t be removed by the patient. They function as the natural teeth.
Natural tooth is prepared and reduced in size for it to receive a crown.
Bridges
Bridges are commonly used to cover a space in case of missing one or more teeth. They are cemented to natural teeth or implants surrounding the space where the tooth once stood.
Temporary bridges are made with acrylic. Permanent bridges are made with White metal, ceramic(porcelain fused to metal), zirconia, bruxzir etc.
Bridges help to restore form function and aesthetics of a patient.
They are fabricated in cases of short span edentulous arches, if supporting teeth are sound, where RPD can not be given, patient’s preference.
The supporting teeth are prepared and reduced in size to receive the prosthesis.