A dental crown is an indirectly fabricated cover or cap that is placed over a clinically prepared tooth. On the other hand, a dental Bridge is a unit of individual crowns or more that is attached to one another used to replace one missing tooth with healthy teeth abutments (like pillars) in front and behind the tooth that is required to be replaced.
The trend and demand for dental crowns and bridges have been on the rise in Nepal for decades.
Uses of Dental Crowns and Bridges:
- Dental crowns and bridges enhance the functional strength of weakened teeth, for example, grossly decayed, root canal-treated, broken, or worn-out teeth.
- Dental crowns can enhance the aesthetics of chipped, malaligned, or discolored teeth.
- Dental bridges help to replace one or more missing teeth, provided there are sufficient healthy teeth supporting them from the front and behind.
Procedure:
The procedure for getting crowns is fairly painless. Dentists simply trim down the affected tooth with sufficient margins and gaps to fit the replacement crown. Local anesthesia is not required if the tooth has already undergone root canal treatment, but it may be necessary for untreated teeth.
In the case of bridges, dentists prepare the front and back teeth to fit the final tooth replacements. Once the preparations are completed, a neat impression or intraoral scanner registers the teeth’s impression to later use for crown/bridge fabrication.
When it arrives, the dentist recalls the patient to attach the crowns/bridges using resin-based or luting cements after the fit and color are approved by the dentist and the patient.
Types:
- Zirconia: These are metal-free crowns that combine the strength of metal crowns with a pleasant, tooth-like appearance. They are highly biocompatible because their smooth finish prevents plaque accumulation. These crowns are very durable and cost anywhere between 22,000 to 30,000 NPR per tooth. They do not need to be removed if the patient requires head or neck MRI scans.
2. Emax: These metal-free crowns are made of tough lithium disilicate material. They are more translucent, allowing more light to pass through, giving them higher aesthetic value. Emax crowns are preferred for correcting discrepancies in front teeth.
They cost anywhere between 20,000 to 25,000 NPR depending on the labs and methods used for fabrication. They also do not need to be removed for Head or Neck MRI scans.
3. Porcelain Fused to Metal/Metal Ceramic Crowns: These are metal crowns with a porcelain layer fused to the metal, providing a tooth-like color but less aesthetic compared to Emax or Zirconia. They are quite durable but the ceramic coating may chip off over time.
These crowns are economical, ranging anywhere between 7,500 to 15,000 NPR depending on various factors. They need to be removed if Head and neck MRI scans are required due to the metal presence.
4. Metal Crowns: Generally made of base metal alloys like chromium or nickel, or gold alloys, these crowns offer excellent strength but little aesthetic appeal. They cost 7,000 NPR or less and are less commonly used nowadays due to their low aesthetic value. They need to be removed for Head or Neck MRI scans.
Conclusion:
The dental market in Nepal is evolving rapidly. In the early 2000s, options for crowns and bridges were limited, but today there are many choices available. While the dentist ultimately makes the best decision for the patient, individuals have the authority to choose their options according to their preferences.
Contact us today or book your appointment for a detailed consultation about your dental crowns and bridge needs. We are more than happy to serve you!
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