When it comes to dental care and restorations, making the right decision can require a lot of ‘what ifs’ and brainstorming. It’s even more challenging when it comes to getting prosthetic teeth. Confusion would arise from getting either a dental implant, denture, or dental crown and bridge, and you might be wondering which is best for you. Not to worry, Meramec Family Dentistry will break down all you need to know about dental crowns and bridges in this post to help you make the right choice.
What are dental crowns and bridges?
Dental crowns and bridges are prosthetic devices that replace missing or damaged teeth. These restoratives are the most common alternative to permanent dental implants, and our dentists frequently use them to restore our patient’s confident and beautiful smiles.
The dental crown and bridge are cemented onto implants or existing teeth, keeping them from falling off while eating or talking. If replacements are required, they can only be removed and fixed by a dentist. These characteristics distinguish them from dentures that must be removed daily and cleaned thoroughly.
What is the difference between a dental crown and a dental bridge?
Dental crown
Dental crowns are false teeth used to cap a decaying, weak, chipped, broken, or damaged tooth to help maintain its shape, strength, size, and appearance. Dental crowns are usually made of ceramic or porcelain and can be custom-made according to the patient’s requirements. Their texture and color can be matched to the existing teeth, and in some cases, they can be made from gold alloys to improve their strength and durability.
During a dental crown process, your dentist will fix the crown on your implant or reshape your existing tooth into a smaller size and remove tooth decay from the tooth surface. Your dentist then places the crown on the tooth and cements it into its position. This way, the crown acts as a cap over your damaged tooth and improves its shape, strength, size, and appearance.
Dental bridge
Dental bridges are prosthetic appliances solely used to replace a single or multiple missing or damaged teeth. They have two crowns – one on either end – with a replacement tooth bridge that rests on the gums where there are missing teeth. The crowns on either bridge end can fuse to dental implants or existing teeth.
As with dental crowns, dental bridges present you with different materials, so you can choose one that suits you best. Once your dentist places the bridge into its position, it restores your chewing ability and functions like your natural tooth.
What can a dental bridge or crown fix?
We generally recommend dental bridges for patients with one or more missing teeth. The teeth gaps due to tooth loss can make your other teeth shift or rotate into the empty space, thus leading to a bad bite. The imbalance in the teeth can also lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder and gum disease.
In contrast, we may recommend a dental crown to fix dental issues like:
- A cracked, chipped, fractured, or broken tooth
- Replace a deep or large filling
- Cover a dental implant
- Attach a bridge
- Cover and strengthen a weak tooth
- Strengthen a tooth after undergoing a root canal procedure
What are the benefits of bridges and crowns?
The main benefit of this dental restoration option is to restore your beautiful smile and maintain your oral health. A chipped or fractured tooth can eventually lead to pain, dental emergencies, and an extensive treatment procedure. A dental bridge or crown can prevent that and restore your chewing capabilities and smile’s good aesthetics.
How long do dental crowns or bridges last?
Dental crowns and bridges can last a lifetime. However, their lifespan and durability will depend on how well you take care of them. Practicing good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist at least twice a year is essential in maintaining your dental crown and bridge. You should also avoid using your teeth as a tool or chewing hard foods, ice, or other objects that can loosen or damage them.
What to expect when getting a dental crown or bridge
When getting a dental crown or bridge, your dentist will give you a local anesthetic to ensure the procedure is as painless as possible. Your dentist will perform necessary tooth extractions or root canals and take the impressions of your teeth and the essential areas to create a temporary crown or bridge that fits perfectly into your mouth.
Your dentist will create a permanent crown or bridge in a few days and fix it in your mouth during your follow-up appointment. Your dentist will make any necessary modifications, attach it securely onto your mouth, and ensure you have a perfect fit.
Best dental crowns and bridges in Arnold, MO
At Meramec Family Dentistry, we offer the best dental crowns and bridges in Arnold, MO, and other treatment options to restore confidence in yourself and your smile.
Our gentle and highly skilled dental team has years of experience in the dental health and restoration field and has received accolades and positive reviews from patients all over the city. Call (636) 333-3304 or schedule an appointment today to get the highest quality dental restorative services from your Arnold dentist.
