Dental crowns and bridges are two common dental restoration procedures that are used to repair damaged or missing teeth. These procedures can help improve the function and appearance of your teeth, as well as prevent further damage to your natural teeth.
What are dental crowns?
Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that are placed over damaged teeth to improve their strength, shape, and appearance. Crowns can be made of different materials such as porcelain, ceramic, metal or a combination of materials, depending on the preference of the patient and the dentist.
Crowns are recommended for dental issues such as:
- Severe tooth decay
- Cracks or chips on teeth
- Broken or weakened teeth
- Teeth with large fillings
- Irregularly shaped teeth
- Discolored teeth
The procedure for getting a dental crown usually requires two visits to your dentist. During the first visit, the dentist will prepare your tooth by removing any decay and shaping the tooth to fit the crown. Then, an impression of the tooth will be taken to create a custom-fitted crown. The crown will be made by a dental laboratory and sent back to the dentist, who will then cement it onto the prepared tooth during the second visit.
What are dental bridges?
Dental bridges are used to fill gaps created by one or more missing teeth. A bridge consists of two crowns placed over healthy teeth on either side of the gap, with an artificial tooth (or teeth) in between. Bridges can also be supported by dental implants if there are no healthy teeth available to support the bridge.
Bridges are recommended for dental issues such as:
- Improve the appearance of your smile
- Restore your ability to chew properly
- Maintain the shape of your face
- Prevent remaining teeth from shifting
The procedure for getting a dental bridge usually requires two or three visits to your dentist. During the first visit, the dentist will prepare the teeth on either side of the gap by shaping them for the placement of the crowns. An impression of your teeth will be taken to create a custom-fitted bridge. The bridge will be made by a dental laboratory and sent back to the dentist, who will then cement it onto the prepared teeth during the second visit. If dental implants are required for support, then an additional surgical procedure will be necessary before the final placement of the bridge.
In conclusion, dental crowns and bridges are effective solutions for repairing and restoring damaged or missing teeth. They can help improve your ability to speak, eat, and smile with confidence. If you are experiencing any dental issues that require a crown or bridge, schedule a consultation with your dentist to discuss the best options for your specific needs.
