1. CROWNS (Dental Caps)

Crowns are full-coverage restorations placed over a damaged or weakened tooth.

When Crowns Are Needed 

• Severe decay

• Cracked or fractured teeth

• After root canal treatment

• Worn-down teeth

• Cosmetic correction (shape/colour)

What Crowns Do

• Restore strength

• Restore function

• Improve appearance

• Protect the remaining natural tooth

Common Crown Materials

• Zirconia (very strong, aesthetic, long-lasting)

• Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM)

• All-ceramic

• Metal crowns (rarely used today except molars)

2. BRIDGES (To Replace Missing Teeth)

A bridge fills the gap created by one or more missing teeth by anchoring onto neighbouring teeth.

When Bridges Are Used

• The patient has missing teeth

• Adjacent teeth are strong enough to support a bridge

• Patient wants a fixed, non-removable solution but doesn’t choose implants

What Bridges Do

• Restore chewing ability

• Maintain facial shape

• Prevent teeth from shifting

• Improve aesthetics and speech

Types of Bridges

• Traditional bridges (most common)

• Cantilever bridge

• Maryland / Resin-bonded bridge

• Implant-supported bridge

3. DENTURES (Removable Tooth Replacements)

Dentures replace multiple missing teeth or full arches.

Types

• Complete dentures — for patients with no natural teeth

• Partial dentures — for multiple missing teeth

• Flexible dentures — softer, more comfortable option

• Implant-supported dentures — better stability

What Dentures Do

• Restore ability to chew and speak

• Improve smile & facial appearance

• Support lips and cheeks

• Replace multiple or complete missing teeth at lower cost

Limitations

• Not as stable as implants or bridges

• Need periodic adjustments

• Lifespan: 5–7+ years depending on care and oral changes