Understanding Dental Crowns and Bridges
Enhancing Your Smile and Oral Health
Maintaining good dental health is crucial for our overall wellness and self-confidence. Damaged or missing teeth can not only impact our ability to chew food but can also affect our self-esteem. Dental crowns and bridges are two common restorative treatments that can improve the appearance and functionality of your teeth. In this blog, we will explain what dental crowns and bridges are, how they work, and why they might be the perfect solution for your dental care needs.
What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” that is placed over a tooth to cover it, restoring its shape, size, and strength and improving its appearance. Crowns are used in several situations, including:
- Protecting a weak tooth from breaking or holding together parts of a cracked tooth.
- Restoring an already broken tooth or a tooth that has been severely worn down.
- Covering and supporting a tooth with a large filling when there isn’t a lot of teeth left.
- Holding a dental bridge in place.
- Covering misshapen or severely discolored teeth.
- Covering a dental implant.
- Making a cosmetic modification for aesthetic reasons.
Materials Used in Crowns: Crowns can be made from various materials, including porcelain, ceramics, composite resin, or metal alloys. Each material has its benefits, and the choice often depends on the location of the tooth and aesthetic considerations.
What Are Dental Bridges?
A bridge is recommended to prevent further complications if you have missing teeth. When gaps are left by missing teeth, the remaining teeth can rotate or shift into those empty spaces, leading to a bad bite. This imbalance caused by missing teeth can also result in gum disease and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
Bridges are dental appliances that span the space where the teeth are missing. They are cemented to the natural teeth or implants that surround the gap. These teeth, known as abutments, serve as anchors for the bridge. A replacement tooth, called a pontic, is attached to the crowns that cover the abutments.
Benefits of Dental Bridges:
- Restore your smile
- Maintain the shape of your face
- Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position
- Restore your ability to properly chew and speak
- Distribute the forces in your bite properly by replacing missing teeth
The Procedure for Crowns and Bridges
The process of installing a crown or bridge typically involves several steps:
- Preparation: The tooth (or teeth) must be reduced in size so that the crown or bridge will fit properly. After reducing the tooth/teeth, your dentist will take an impression to provide an exact mold for the crown or bridge.
- Fitting: If porcelain is used, your dentist will determine the correct shade for the crown or bridge to match the color of your existing teeth.
- Fabrication: This impression is sent to a dental lab, where your crown or bridge will be manufactured. A temporary crown or bridge will be placed to cover the prepared tooth while the permanent crown or bridge is being made.
- Final Placement: Once completed, the permanent crown or bridge is adjusted and cemented into place.
Caring for Your Crowns and Bridges
With proper care, a high-quality crown or bridge can last for 8-15 years or even longer. It is crucial to floss in the area of the crown to prevent excess plaque or debris buildup around the restoration. Certain habits, such as jaw clenching or teeth grinding, can significantly decrease the lifespan of a crown. Additionally, consuming hard foods, ice, or hard candy can weaken the adhesion of the crown or even cause damage to the crown.
Conclusion
Dental crowns and bridges are highly effective solutions for restoring and maintaining your oral health and enhancing your smile. Whether you need to repair a damaged tooth or replace missing ones, crowns and bridges can help you regain both the function and aesthetics of your teeth. If you believe you might benefit from a crown or bridge, consult with your dentist to discuss your options and ensure you receive the best care tailored to your dental needs.
