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Dental crowns and dental bridges restore damaged or missing teeth, helping patients maintain a healthy bite, proper function, and a confident smile.
A dental crown is a great way to restore a tooth that has been damaged. Basically, it is the cap that covers the tooth which provides protection while improving the aesthetics of the tooth. Crowns and fabricated in various materials such as porcelain, metal and even ceramic. The material used depends on the location and needs of the patient.
A dental crown procedure is generally done within two visits. During this initial visit, the dentist will assess the condition of the tooth and will shape it to allow space for your crown. If the tooth is weak or fractured, preparing it entails reinforcing the tooth structure first. Once it is prepared, an impression is taken and sent to the lab where the custom crown is fabricated.
The temporary crown is placed in order to protect the tooth while the permanent crown is being made.
Follow-up: The temporary crown is removed, then the new crown is fitted and tested for proper fit and bite alignment. At this point, any necessary adjustments will be made. The crown will than be permanently attached using dental cement. Once set, the crown acts and feels just like a normal tooth. Patients can than return to their normal routine, eating and speaking comfortably.
Dental crowns are usually placed after a tooth has cracked, decayed, or worn down over time. It can also be placed after a root canal procedure to provide the treated tooth additional protection. Crowns can also be utilized to enhance the way your teeth look whenever one turns out misshapen or becomes seriously discolored. Maintenance of a crown involves good oral hygiene practices, such as regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups.
A dental bridge is one of the more functional options for filling the gap left by one or several missing teeth. It literally acts as a bridge by using artificial teeth to restore both the function and look of your natural smile. These artificial teeth are supported by crowns placed on the surrounding teeth or implants.
Although a missing tooth might be more than just a gap in your smile, it could also make you eat more laboriously and, in some cases, even alter the way you speak. Over time, the teeth close to the gap will start to shift toward the space, which may result in alignment issues. A dental bridge prevents this by filling the gap and keeping the rest of your teeth in their correct positions.
Several dental bridge options are available. One of the most used is a traditional bridge. In this type, crowns are placed on each of the two healthy teeth on either side of your gap, to hold your artificial tooth in place.
The other option is a cantilever bridge, which is typically used where there is only one side with a natural tooth. Although not as strong as the traditional bridge, it may still be effective for most patients.
Then, there is the Maryland bridge. It doesn’t have any crowns but is made up of a framework of metal or porcelain. This framework is cemented to the back of the teeth on either side of the gap, which then holds the artificial tooth in place. Being more conservative, this does not require the preparation of the surrounding teeth; still, it is not as strong compared to traditional bridge options.
Another option is the implant-supported bridge. As the term suggests, it relies on implants rather than crowns to hold this bridge in place. It is by far the strongest option and works well for patients who have multiple teeth missing.
Getting dental bridges usually requires more than one dental visit.
During the first visit, the dentist will look at your teeth and then take a series of x-rays. Your Danforth dnetist will also prepare the teeth next to the gap if necessary. Your dentist will make impressions of your teeth to send to a lab where the bridge is to be made; a temporary bridge may be put in place while waiting for the permanent one.
Once the permanent bridge is prepared, the dentist will replace it with the permanent bridge ensuring it’s a comfortable and secure fit.
The dental bridge requires little more care than natural teeth. Regular, thorough brushing and flossing help prevent decay and gum disease around the bridge. A special flossing tool provided by your dentist will make it easier to reach under the bridge to clean. Regular dental check-ups help keep the bridge in good condition. With proper care, dental bridges can last many years, providing a reliable method of replacing missing teeth.