Dental Bridges and Crowns: What You Need to Know

A crown (also known as a cap) is a dental treatment that helps strengthen or enhance the tooth’s appearance by covering the visible portion of its surface. A bridge is a type of dental treatment used to restore the appearance of one or several teeth which are missing. It consists of teeth replaced with artificial teeth to hold the crowns to the opposite side. There are several materials to make crowns and bridges that match the teeth’ form and strength.

Implants, such as crowns and bridges, are among the most often used options in dentistry today. Dental professionals can assist you in getting the dental bridges or crowns you need to create a smile you’re proud of. They are commonly used to help sufferers restore their appearance.

Different Types of Crowns and Bridges

Crowns comprise metal, porcelain bonded to metal, or porcelain alone. They are usually created in a laboratory. There are many kinds of bridges that are made:

Cantilever Bridges

If there are just adjacent teeth to one side of a missing tooth or teeth, cantilever bridges are the best choice. Using this process in the back of the mouth could put too much pressure on adjacent teeth and damage the teeth.

Maryland Bridges

The type of bridge (also known as resin-bonded bridges) includes teeth and gums held by a metal or porcelain framework. The bridge’s metal or porcelain wings are attached together with natural teeth on one side.

Traditional Bridges

Traditional bridges require the construction of a crown to cover the tooth or implant both sides of the gap with a pontic between. Porcelain-fused-to-metal or ceramic-based bridges are the most popular types of bridges.

Signs You Need Dental Crowns and Bridges

Teeth that have cracked or damaged, discolored or misshapen, and vulnerable to decay due to fillings or root canal therapy might require crowns. In other situations, crowns may be utilized to help support the construction of a dental bridge or construct crowns to support a crown on an implant within the bone.

A bridge is used for the replacement of one or several missing teeth. Preventing adjacent teeth from moving position could help maintain your face’s shape. It will also aid in a more confident smile, correct your bite, and help with chewing and speech problems.

Preparing the Teeth for a Crown or Bridge

The dentist will examine your teeth and take X-rays to check the pulp, root, and bone. The dentist will also clean your teeth. If you’re purchasing a dental-colored crown or bridge, the dentist will precisely pick the color that is compatible with your natural teeth. Before the crown is put in place, a root canal treatment could be recommended if an infection is at risk.

It is important to note that the teeth and the gums will be anesthetized before a crown can be put in, and the tooth surfaces are ground down by using the drill. A filling is possible when the tooth is badly damaged or has decayed.

To create a 3D image of your freshly prepared teeth and the soft tissue, the dentist uses cement or putty to make an impression on your mouth.

After an impression is taken or the scan, it’s sent to a lab, in which it is then the crown or bridge is constructed. It usually takes about two to three weeks. While waiting, the dentist will protect the newly prepared teeth with a temporary acrylic crown, stainless steel crown, or bridge.

The dentist will remove your temporary crown or bridge once the permanent crown is in place to test the suitability and shade. Using cement can permanently fix and permanently secure the crown and the bridge.

Certain dental practices can design and put in a permanent crown within a single visit with specialized software and equipment without the need for a temporary crown because this is usually considered as a permanent solution.

Taking Good Care of Your Restoration

Maintaining healthy dental hygiene and avoiding habits such as teeth grinding and nail-biting can extend the lifespan of the restoration and ensure that you are in good oral health. Additionally, you will be taught how to properly take care of the surface of your crown and bridge. You can explore other service areas right here for more information.

Final Thoughts

Dental crowns and bridges make many patients pleased and confident in themselves. Since dental bridges and crowns improve, they appear more similar to the appearance of your natural teeth. The advancement in technology has resulted in a growing number of patients getting full smile restorations.