Crowns & Bridges
Healthy solutions lead to great smiles.
Crowns & Bridges
Dental Crowns and Bridges
Are you experiencing issues with your teeth, such as decay or damage? Do you feel self-conscious about the appearance of your smile due to missing or discolored teeth? Dental crowns and bridges are two popular solutions to restore the health and beauty of your teeth. Today, we will discuss everything you need to know about these dental restorations, including their purpose, benefits, differences, precautions, and signs that indicate a need for them. Keep reading to learn how dental crowns and bridges can help improve your oral health and transform your smile!
Why do I need dental crown or bridge?
Dental crowns and bridges are common dental restorations that can improve the health, function, and appearance of your teeth. If you have teeth that are damaged, decayed, weakened, or missing, you may need a dental crown or bridge to restore their structure and integrity.
A dental crown is typically recommended for teeth with large cavities, cracks, fractures or extensive damage. It covers the entire tooth above the gum line to protect it from further harm while restoring its shape and size. Crowns can also be used as a cosmetic solution to enhance the color and shape of misshapen or discolored teeth.
On the other hand, a dental bridge is used to replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring onto adjacent healthy teeth with crowns. Bridges can prevent shifting of remaining natural teeth into empty spaces caused by lost ones which could compromise oral hygiene in addition lead to periodontal disease.
In general terms,dental crowns and bridges serve as effective solutions for various oral health issues such as restoring function,maintaing alignment among others.
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a type of dental restoration that is used to cover or cap a damaged tooth. It is designed to provide additional strength and protection to the natural tooth structure, while also improving its appearance.
Dental crowns are typically made from materials such as porcelain, ceramic, or metal alloys. They can be customized to match the color and shape of your surrounding teeth, making them virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth.
The process of getting a dental crown typically involves two visits to your dentist’s office. During the first visit, your dentist will prepare the affected tooth by removing any decayed or damaged areas and shaping it for the placement of the crown. An impression will then be taken of the prepared tooth so that a custom crown can be created in a lab.
Once the crown has been fabricated, you’ll return for a second appointment where it will be permanently bonded in place over your natural tooth using special cement.
Dental crowns are an effective way to restore both function and aesthetics to compromised teeth. If you have suffered damage or decay that requires more than just simple fillings, talk with your Memorial Family Dental professional about whether crowns may be right for you!
What is a bridge?
A dental bridge is a prosthetic device used to replace one or more missing teeth. It is called a bridge because it literally bridges the gap between two existing teeth. The bridge consists of two crowns on either side of the gap, and these are attached to an artificial tooth or teeth in the middle.
The process of getting a dental bridge involves preparing the adjacent teeth for crowns by removing some enamel. Then, an impression is taken of your mouth so that the lab can create a custom-fit bridge that matches your bite and natural teeth color.
Bridges come in different materials, such as porcelain, ceramic, gold alloy or zirconia. The choice depends on several factors like durability desired appearance and cost. Some bridges are removable while others are permanent fixtures that require good oral hygiene habits to maintain them properly.
Dental bridges provide many benefits beyond just restoring your smile’s aesthetics – they also improve chewing ability and prevent further damage from occurring due to shifting of remaining teeth into gaps created by missing ones.
What Is the Distinction Between Dental Crowns and Bridges?
If you’re considering dental restoration options, chances are you’ve heard the terms “dental crowns” and “bridges.” While both can be used to improve your oral health and restore your smile, there are some key differences between them.
A dental crown is a cap that’s placed over an existing damaged or decayed tooth to protect it and improve its appearance. It’s typically made of porcelain or ceramic material that can be matched to the color of your natural teeth. Crowns may also be used after a root canal procedure or to cover a dental implant.
On the other hand, a bridge is used when one or more teeth are missing. It consists of two dental crowns on either side of the gap with one or more artificial teeth in between. The crowns are attached to neighboring healthy teeth for support.
While both options involve placing caps over existing teeth, bridges require at least one missing tooth while crowns do not necessarily need this requirement. Additionally, bridges require more extensive preparation as they involve multiple adjacent teeth while crowning only involves individual ones.
As always before deciding which option suits best for you consult your Memorial Family Dental dentist first who will guide you through all available treatment alternatives and provide advice based on their professional opinion.
Why Are Crowns and Bridges Beneficial to Your Teeth?
Dental crowns and bridges are beneficial to your teeth for various reasons. They offer a restorative solution to damaged or missing teeth, improving both the appearance and function of your smile.
Crowns are designed to cover existing teeth that have been weakened by decay, cracks, or other types of damage. By encasing the tooth in a protective covering, crowns provide added strength and durability while restoring its natural shape and color.
Bridges, on the other hand, replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring onto neighboring healthy teeth. This helps prevent shifting of remaining teeth which can lead to bite issues and gum disease.
Both crowns and bridges also aid in maintaining proper dental hygiene as they make it easier to clean around them compared to gaps left by missing or damaged teeth. Furthermore, these restorations help distribute force when biting evenly across all available chewing surfaces making your mouth work better overall.
If you’re looking for a long-lasting solution that improves both aesthetics and functionality of your smile then dental crowns & bridges may be just what you need!
Is special care required when I have Dental Crowns and Bridges?
When it comes to dental crowns and bridges, there are some precautions that you should take in order to maintain their longevity. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Firstly, avoid chewing hard foods or using your teeth as tools. This can cause damage to the crown or bridge and could potentially lead to further dental issues.
Secondly, make sure you practice good oral hygiene habits such as brushing twice a day and flossing regularly. This will help prevent any buildup of plaque or bacteria which can weaken the crown or bridge over time.
Thirdly, be mindful of grinding your teeth at night. If this is an issue for you, talk with your Memorial Family Dental professional about getting a mouthguard fitted.
Schedule regular check-ups with your dentist so they can catch any potential issues early on before they become bigger problems.
By taking these precautions, you’ll be able to ensure that your dental crowns and bridges last for years while also maintaining optimal oral health.
How do I know I need a Dental Crown or Bridge?
In summary, dental crowns and bridges are essential treatments that can help restore the functionality and aesthetics of your teeth. They offer a long-term solution to missing or damaged teeth, allowing you to enjoy comfortable chewing, improved speech, and increased confidence.
If you’re experiencing any dental issues like decayed or broken teeth, tooth loss due to injury or gum disease, or simply want to improve the appearance of your smile, it’s time to consider getting a dental crown or bridge. Memorial Family Dental in Houston, will evaluate your oral health condition and recommend the best treatment option for you.
Remember that maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial in preventing future dental problems. Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing regularly can keep your natural teeth healthy for years to come. Regular visits to your dentist every six months also ensure that any underlying issues are detected early before they become severe.
Taking care of your oral health should be a priority if you want a beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime!