Prosthodontics

Fixed teeth refer to dental restorations or appliances that are permanently attached to the teeth or jawbone, unlike removable dentures. Fixed teeth are designed to restore the natural appearance, function, and feel of teeth, and can be used to:

• Replace missing teeth
• Repair damaged or decayed teeth
• Improve oral aesthetics
• Enhance chewing and speaking abilities

Types of fixed teeth include:

1. Dental implants: Titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone to support crowns, bridges, or dentures.
2. Crowns: Individual tooth caps that cover damaged or decayed teeth.
3. Bridges: Fixed appliances that connect two or more crowns to replace missing teeth.
4. Fixed partial dentures: Non-removable dentures that attach to surrounding teeth.
5. Veneers: Thin layers of porcelain or composite material bonded to the front of teeth for aesthetic purposes.

Fixed teeth offer numerous benefits, including:

• Improved oral function and comfort
• Enhanced aesthetics and confidence
• Increased durability and longevity
• Better speech and chewing abilities
• Convenient and hassle-free (no need for removal and cleaning like dentures)

Fixed teeth are considered better than removable teeth in several ways:

• Improved stability: Fixed teeth are securely attached to the jawbone or surrounding teeth, providing stability and comfort.
• Better chewing efficiency: Fixed teeth allow for normal chewing and biting forces, improving digestion and nutrition.
• Enhanced aesthetics: Fixed teeth look and feel like natural teeth, boosting self-confidence and smile appeal.
• Increased durability: Fixed teeth are designed to last longer than removable teeth, with proper care.
• Convenience: Fixed teeth don't require removal and cleaning like dentures, making them a hassle-free option.
• Speech improvement: Fixed teeth enable clear speech and articulation, unlike removable teeth which can slip or click.
• Bone preservation: Fixed teeth help preserve the surrounding bone and jaw structure, preventing resorption and shrinkage.
• Comfort: Fixed teeth eliminate the discomfort and irritation associated with removable teeth.
• Hygiene: Fixed teeth are easier to clean and maintain, reducing the risk of oral infections.
• Long-term solution: Fixed teeth offer a long-term solution for tooth replacement, unlike removable teeth which may need frequent adjustments or replacement.

There are several types of dental crowns, each with its own unique characteristics, advantages, and uses. Some of the most common types of crowns:

1. Metal Crowns: Made from gold, silver, or other metals, these crowns are strong and durable.
2. Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns: Combine metal and porcelain for strength and aesthetics.
3. All-Ceramic Crowns: Made from porcelain or ceramic materials, these crowns are aesthetically pleasing and suitable for front teeth.
4. Zirconia Crowns: Made from zirconium dioxide, these crowns are strong, durable, and aesthetically pleasing.
5. E-Max Crowns: Made from lithium disilicate, these crowns are strong, durable, and aesthetically pleasing.
6. Gold Crowns: Made from gold alloy, these crowns are durable and suitable for back teeth.
7. Composite Crowns: Made from resin material, these crowns are less expensive and used for temporary or cosmetic purposes.
8. CAD/CAM Crowns: Designed and fabricated using computer-aided technology, these crowns are precise and convenient.
9. 3M Lava Crowns: Made from zirconia and ceramic materials, these crowns are strong, durable, and aesthetically pleasing.

Each type of crown has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of crown depends on the individual's needs, budget, and preferences. 

Crown vs Inlay vs Onlay

Crown, inlay, and onlay are all dental restorations used to repair teeth, but they differ in scope and application:

Crown:

• Covers the entire tooth surface
• Used for severely damaged or decayed teeth
• Restores tooth shape, size, and function
• Typically made of porcelain, metal, or ceramic materials

Inlay:

• Fills a small area of the tooth surface
• Used for minor decay or damage
• Made of ceramic, gold, or composite materials
• Bonded to the tooth surface

Onlay:

• Covers a larger area than an inlay
• Used for moderate decay or damage
• Made of ceramic, gold, or composite materials
• Extends over the tooth surface, but not as extensively as a crown

Key differences:

• Size and coverage area
• Extent of tooth damage or decay
• Material options
• Preparation and fabrication process

In general:

• Crowns are for major restorations
• Inlays are for small, localized repairs
• Onlays are for moderate restorations

Overlays & Endocrowns

Overlays and endocrowns are additional types of dental restorations:

Overlay:

• A thin layer of material (ceramic, composite, or gold) bonded to the tooth surface
• Used for minor cosmetic improvements or small repairs
• Less invasive than crowns or onlays
• Can be used to repair small chips, cracks, or discolorations

Endocrown:

• A type of restoration that combines elements of crowns and inlays
• Used for teeth with significant damage or decay, but still have a solid foundation
• Fabricated from ceramic or composite materials
• Prepared and bonded similar to an inlay, but covers a larger area

Key differences:

• Overlays are for minor cosmetic or small repairs
• Endocrowns are for more extensive damage or decay, but still preserve the tooth structure

Both overlays and endocrowns are considered conservative restorations, aiming to preserve as much of the natural tooth as possible.

Difference between a Crown & Bridge

A single crown and a bridge are both dental restorations, but they serve different purposes:

Single Crown:

• Covers a single tooth
• Used to restore a damaged or decayed tooth
• Supports the surrounding teeth
• Can be made of various materials (porcelain, metal, ceramic)

Bridge:

• Replaces one or more missing teeth
• Spans the gap between adjacent teeth
• Consists of one or more artificial teeth (pontics) held by crowns on either side (abutments)
• Can be fixed or removable

Key differences:

• Single crown: one tooth, one crown
• Bridge: multiple teeth, multiple crowns
• Single crown: restores one tooth
• Bridge: replaces missing teeth and supports surrounding teeth

While a single crown focuses on individual tooth restoration, a bridge addresses the impact of tooth loss on the surrounding dental structure.