Bridges & Dental Crowns in Tijuana

Dental crowns and bridges are fixed prosthetics cemented onto a patient’s existing teeth or implants to replace damaged or missing teeth.
A dental crown is a “cap” that is placed over an existing tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, or improve its appearance. They are also used to protect teeth that have undergone root canal therapy.

Dental crowns can replace missing teeth, either individually to cover a tooth, or attached to others to work together in what is known as a dental bridge.

What types of crowns exist?

In general, crowns are classified based on the material with which they were made:

Porcelain. They are the most used crowns to restore the aesthetics of the teeth since porcelain provides the best combination of colors with a natural appearance. However, it is important to be very careful when chewing as it is a more fragile material than others.
Zirconium. It is a high-strength metal, capable of withstanding the daily wear and tear of chewing. They are light aesthetic crowns, reflect light like natural teeth and are biocompatible, which is why they are usually recommended for people at risk of developing adverse reactions or allergies.
Resin. This material is soft, so it is only used temporarily to cover missing teeth while the replacement tooth is ready.
Metal-porcelain. They are made with metal on the inside and porcelain on the outside to enhance their appearance. They are usually placed on molars to prevent metal from showing through the gums
Metal. They are crowns made of metals such as nickel, chrome, gold or palladium, which are long lasting, but have fallen into disuse.

Before and After

Dental Bridges

A dental bridge is a prosthetic appliance used to “fill” the gap left by a missing or extracted tooth; they are supported on natural teeth or implants, which serve as anchors.

Dental bridges – which can be made of materials such as metal, ceramic, resin, or porcelain – are designed to recover the aesthetics and the masticatory function of the patient.

Types of Dental Bridges

There are 3 types of dental bridges, each with different characteristics in terms of design:

Traditional Dental Bridges. It is the most popular type of dental bridge. They can be made up of one or more false teeth; commonly used when the patient has teeth on either side of the space left by the missing tooth or teeth.
Cantilever Dental Bridges. They are very similar to traditional dental bridges, but instead of being supported on two anchors, they are supported on just one. Typically, this type of dental bridge is used in areas where there is less pressure during chewing.
Maryland Dental Bridges. This type of bridge is attached to the inner surface of the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth. Unlike others, with this one it is not necessary to carve the structure of the supporting teeth, but the patient must have healthy and strong natural teeth. Typically, a Maryland bridge is a temporary solution for those who have undergone a dental implant surgery.

Before and After

FAQs

What types of crowns exists?

Porcelain. They are the most used crowns to restore the aesthetics of the teeth since porcelain provides the best combination of colors with a natural appearance. However, it is important to be very careful when chewing as it is a more fragile material than others.
Zirconium. It is a high-strength metal, capable of withstanding the daily wear and tear of chewing. They are light aesthetic crowns, reflect light like natural teeth and are biocompatible, which is why they are usually recommended for people at risk of developing adverse reactions or allergies.
Resin. This material is soft, so it is only used temporarily to cover missing teeth while the replacement tooth is ready.
Metal-porcelain. They are made with metal on the inside and porcelain on the outside to enhance their appearance. They are usually placed on molars to prevent metal from showing through the gums
Metal. They are crowns made of metals such as nickel, chrome, gold or palladium, which are long lasting, but have fallen into disuse.

Does it hurt to put on a dental crown?

Occasionally, patients may experience some discomfort following the installation of their dental crown as a result of the restorative process, but rest assured, the pain will gradually fade away.

Can I eat after having a dental crown?

No. It takes a while for the crown bonding material to harden and allow the crown to remain intact. For this reason, you should not eat anything for a few hours after placement, and avoid chewing hard foods with the new tooth.

How long do dental crowns last?

Dental crowns are manufactured to last between 15 to 20 years, giving them the necessary care so that they do not chip or break.

What are the benefits of dental bridges?

They are cheaper than a dental implant.
They are very durable.
They help prevent the mobility of neighboring teeth.
They are easy to care for and maintain.