Dental crowns and bridges have come a long way since they were first developed. These dental fixtures can help patients regain their smiles when they have broken, chipped, or missing teeth while protecting their mouths from further damage. They can also improve the quality of life for those that struggle with chewing after changes to teeth over the years.
What Are Dental Crowns and Bridges?
Both bridges and crowns are prosthetics for the mouth that replace or protect missing and damaged teeth. Unlike dentures, bridges and crowns are fixed onto your teeth, so they cannot be removed by the patient. This ensures a proper fit. Crowns and bridges also don’t shift or move as dentures can, which makes them comfortable and effective.
Understanding Crowns
A crown provides a damaged tooth the royal treatment. Jokes aside, a crown does earn its name from the royal headpiece. Why? Because it covers a damaged tooth from top-down. These dental prosthetics are made from porcelain which looks and mimics the function of a tooth. Most people don’t even realize when someone has a crown.
Crowns don’t just protect the teeth they cover, they also can fix alignment, shape, and improve appearance. This can make chewing easier.
They can also protect teeth that are weak and would require fillings or may break in the future. Some crowns are put in place to attach a bridge.
When you’re getting a crown, we
- Match the porcelain to your existing teeth in color and appearance
- Ensure that it fits properly and is positioned correctly, so it’s strong and will last.
What is a Bridge?
A bridge can fill a gap left by one or more missing teeth. They are a row of teeth that span the area where teeth once were. The bridge is attached to a tooth at the front and back of where it’s positioned or to dental implants.
Just like crowns, bridges have porcelain prosthetic teeth replacements that match your existing teeth.
What Else Should You Know About Crowns and Bridges?
What Do We Do Differently
Most crowns require two visits to the dentist: one to prepare your tooth, take a mold to model the crown from and another to affix the crown. Not with us, though.
We make crowns convenient. We use the CEREC Single Visit Crown technology, so you don’t have to use a temporary crown or come back. This system uses digital imaging to create your crown quickly.
We also give you a beautiful smile with our porcelain bridges that blend seamlessly with your other teeth.
Taking Care of Your Crowns and Bridges
Crowns and bridges can last your entire lifetime. They do require the same dental hygiene practices you use on your other teeth, though. To maintain your crown or ridge brush, floss, and visit us for regular cleanings and exams.
Don’t Wait to Find Out if a Crown or Bridge Can Bring Back Your Smile
Don’t continue to live with pain or the embarrassment of broken or missing teeth. Our team can help restore your smile and improve your quality of life with our knowledge, expertise, and technology. When it comes to crowns and bridges or any other questions about your mouth, we can help. Give us a call to schedule your appointment.
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