Introduction

A crown or cap is a dental restoration that covers the exposed surface of a tooth to strengthen it or improve its appearance. A bridge is a dental restoration to replace one or more missing teeth. It includes an artificial tooth or teeth which are fused to crowns on either side to provide support. Crowns and bridges are designed to match the natural shape and strength of the teeth and can be made up of different types of material.

Crowns:

Dental crowns, is a tooth-shaped cap that is placed over a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength. Dental Crowns are a versatile restorative treatment used to improve the appearance and function of damaged or decayed teeth. At Magadh Oro Dental Patna, the procedure is done digitally by taking scans of the prepared teeth rather than taking conventional impressions.

Bridges:

A bridge is used to replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring to the natural teeth on either side of the gap. 

Types of crowns and bridges available in Patna :

Porcelain Crowns: Durable and aesthetically pleasing, matched to the natural tooth color.

Ceramic Crowns: Excellent for front teeth due to their natural appearance and stain resistance.

Traditional Bridges: Supported by crowns placed on adjacent teeth or implants.

Zirconia Crowns: Known for their exceptional strength, durability, and natural appearance.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns: Combine the strength of metal with the aesthetics of porcelain.

Gold Crowns: Offer exceptional durability and strength, ideal for back teeth.
Composite Crowns: Affordable option for temporary or short-term restorations.

Traditional vs. Digital Crowns:

Traditional Crowns:

Involve physical impressions (molds) of the tooth, which can be messy and uncomfortable for the patient. These impressions are then sent to a dental lab where the crown is manually fabricated.

Digital Crowns:

Utilize digital scanning (e.g., using an intraoral scanner) to create a digital 3D model of the tooth. This model is then used to design and mill the crown using CAD/CAM technology.

Advantages of Digital Crowns:

Precision and Accuracy:

Digital scanning and CAD/CAM technology allow for highly accurate impressions and precise crown design, leading to a better fit and potentially fewer adjustments.

Efficiency and Time Savings:

The entire process can be completed in a single visit in some cases, eliminating the need for multiple appointments. 

Improved Aesthetics:

Digital crowns can be customized to match the patient's natural teeth, resulting in a more aesthetically pleasing restoration.

Enhanced Durability:

Digital crowns are often made from high-quality materials like zirconia or e.max, known for their strength and longevity.

Reduced Discomfort:

Digital impressions are often more comfortable for patients compared to traditional methods. 
 

Benefits of Digital Dental Crowns:

Pain Relief

Crowns act as a protective layer, shielding sensitive areas and reducing discomfort.

Protection for Weak or Damaged Teeth

Crowns protect weak, cracked, or broken teeth from further damage. They provide support and prevent further damage to cracked, broken, or decayed teeth.

Restoration:

They can restore the shape, size, and strength of a damaged tooth.

Improved Appearance:

Crowns can improve the appearance of discolored or misshapen teeth.  Crowns can enhance your smile by restoring the shape, size, and color of discolored or misshapen teeth.

Increased Strength and Durability:

Crowns are designed to be strong and durable, improving chewing ability and overall function.

Functionality:

Crowns allow for normal chewing and speaking.

Support for Dental Bridges and Implants: 

Crowns are used to anchor dental bridges or cover dental implants

Longevity:

With proper care, dental crowns can last for many years.

Digital Dental Crown and Bridge Treatment Procedure at Magadh Oro Dental :

Consultation and Examination:

The dentist evaluates the condition of your tooth to determine if a crown is the right solution.

Teeth Preparation: 

The dentist will reshape the tooth to accommodate the crown. Any decayed or damaged parts of the tooth are removed, and the tooth is shaped to fit the crown perfectly.

Digital Scanning:

A digital scan of the prepared tooth and surrounding area is taken, creating a 3D model. 

Temporary Crown or Bridge: 

A temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth while the permanent crown is being made

Crown Design:

The dentist uses CAD software to design the crown based on the digital scan and the patient's specific needs.

Milling:

The designed crown is then milled from a block of ceramic or other suitable material using a CAM machine.

Crown Placement: 

Once ready, the permanent crown is cemented onto the prepared tooth.

Advantages of CAD/CAM crowns:

Reduced chair time:

The streamlined process allows for same-day crown placement.

Improved accuracy and fit:

Digital scanning and design ensures a precise fit, minimizing adjustments and potential issues.

Aesthetic results:

CAD/CAM technology allows for the creation of natural-looking crowns that blend seamlessly with the patient's smile.

Durability:
CAD/CAM crowns, especially those made of materials like zirconia or lithium disilicate, are known for their strength and longevity. 

Crown and Bridge Cost in Patna:

The cost of dental crown and bridge treatment in Patna can vary, typically ranging from ₹1,000 to ₹15,000 per crown, depending on the material used and the complexity of the case. Different types of crowns, such as metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM), or zirconia, will have different price points, and replacing multiple missing teeth will also have a higher overall cost. 

Metal Crowns:
Typically the most affordable option, costing around ₹2,000 to ₹4,000 per crown.

Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM) Crowns:
Offer a balance of aesthetics and affordability, ranging from ₹4,000 to ₹7,500

Metal-Free Crowns (Zirconia, Procera, etc.):
These offer the best aesthetics and are often the most expensive, ranging from ₹8,500 to ₹15,000 or more, with varying warranties.

Dental Bridges:
The cost of a bridge depends on the number of teeth it replaces and the materials used.

Factors Influencing Cost:

Material:
The type of crown material (metal, porcelain, zirconia, etc.) significantly impacts the price.

Complexity:

More complex cases (e.g., needing root canal treatment before a crown) may have higher costs.

Clinic and Dentist:
The specific clinic and the dentist's experience can also influence the cost.

Additional Procedures:
If procedures like a sinus lift or guided bone regeneration are needed before implant placement for a bridge, those will add to the overall cost.

Recommendation:
To get the most accurate cost estimate, it's recommended to schedule a consultation with a dentist in Patna. They can assess your specific needs, explain the available options, and provide a detailed cost estimate. When selecting a dental clinic for your crown and bridge treatment, consider factors such as: 
Experience and qualifications of the dentist.
Clinic's infrastructure and technology.
Patient reviews and ratings.
Cost and affordability.
Hygiene and sterilization protocols. 
It is recommended to schedule consultations with a few different clinics to compare their services and choose the one that best suits your needs and budget.