Dealing with damaged or missing teeth can be tough. It affects not only your smile but also how you eat and speak. Dental crowns and bridges are two effective solutions to these common dental problems. They help restore the function and appearance of your teeth, making your smile complete again.
Dental crowns are like caps that cover damaged teeth, while bridges fill the gaps left by missing teeth. Both options can bring back the natural look and feel of your mouth. They are strong, long-lasting, and can match the color of your other teeth. This makes them a great choice for many people who need tooth repair.
Before you decide on getting crowns or bridges, it’s important to know how they work and if they are right for you. Understanding the process will help you make an informed decision about your dental health. In the following sections, we will explore dental crowns and bridges, their benefits, who can benefit from them, and what to expect during the procedure.
Understanding Dental Crowns
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are protective caps placed over damaged or weak teeth. They restore the tooth’s shape, size, and strength. Crowns can also improve the tooth’s appearance. Made from materials like porcelain, metal, zirconia, or ceramic, they blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. Dentists often use crowns to protect a tooth after a root canal or a large cavity filling.
Different Types of Dental Crowns
1. Porcelain Crowns: These are popular for their natural look. They match the color of your other teeth and are often used for front teeth. One downside to Porcelain crowns, is that they are not as strong as metal or zirconia crowns, so we recommend these crowns to be placed in the front, and we will also evaluate if you have bruxism or grinding.
2. Metal Crowns: Made from gold or other metals, these crowns are very strong. They are ideal for molars in the back of your mouth where the force from chewing is greatest. Gold is ideal because its malleability is similar to your tooth, making it feel more natural when you chew. These crowns are recommended for your back teeth. We also provide zirconia crowns, which are made from a metal that mimics your natural tooth color and is stronger than porcelain crowns.
3. Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns: These offer the strength of metal and the natural look of porcelain. They are versatile and can be used for any part of the mouth.
4. Ceramic Crowns: These crowns are a great choice for those allergic to metals. They look natural and are suitable for any area of the mouth. We also provide same-day crowns with this material, which is a great solution and also saves you time to return from a second crown seating appointment.
Your dentist will recommend the best type of crown based on your specific needs.
The Benefits of Dental Bridges
What Are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges are used to replace one or more missing teeth. A bridge consists of artificial teeth (pontics) held in place by crowns attached to the adjacent teeth (abutments). Bridges can be made from porcelain, metal, or a combination. They help fill the gap left by missing teeth, restoring your smile and making chewing easier.
Advantages Over Other Tooth Replacement Options
1. Improved Appearance: Bridges look natural and can restore your smile. They can be customized to match the color and shape of your natural teeth.
2. Better Functionality: Unlike dentures, which can slip, bridges are fixed in place. This makes eating and speaking more comfortable and natural.
3. Maintaining Facial Structure: Missing teeth can cause your face to sag over time. Bridges help maintain the shape of your face by filling in the gaps left by missing teeth.
4. Preventing Shifting: When you lose a tooth, the nearby teeth can shift into the empty space. This can cause bite problems and further dental issues. Bridges prevent this shifting, keeping your teeth in proper alignment.
Getting a dental bridge can solve multiple issues caused by missing teeth, ensuring better oral health and improved confidence.
Who Can Benefit from Crowns and Bridges?
Common Dental Problems Addressed
Crowns and bridges can address many common dental problems. If you have a cracked or broken tooth, a crown can protect and strengthen it. Crowns also cover teeth with large cavities to prevent further damage. Bridges are used to replace missing teeth, restoring your ability to chew and speak normally. These solutions can also help with teeth that are worn down from grinding or have been damaged by injury.
Suitability and Candidacy
Not everyone is a suitable candidate for crowns and bridges. Good oral health is crucial. If you have untreated gum disease or tooth decay, address these issues first. A healthy tooth structure is needed to support a crown. For bridges, the surrounding teeth must be strong to anchor the bridge. Your dentist will examine your mouth and take X-rays to decide if crowns or bridges are suitable for you. They will also consider factors like your bite alignment and overall dental health.
The Process of Getting Crowns and Bridges
Preparation and Fitting
The process starts with a thorough dental examination. For crowns, your dentist will shape the existing tooth to fit the crown. They’ll take an impression or use a 3D dental scanner to make a custom crown. While you wait for the permanent crown, a temporary one may be placed. Recently this year, we have added a crown milling machine, which can save you from having another trip to the office and can make same-day crowns!
For bridges, the teeth adjacent to the gap are prepared by removing a small amount of enamel to fit the crowns. Impressions or 3D scans are then taken to create the bridge. A temporary bridge may be used until your permanent one is ready. Typically, we will do a 3D scan of your mouth instead of traditional impressions, which gives us a more accurate depiction of your tooth, resulting in an even better-fitting crown!
Recovery and Care Tips
After getting crowns or bridges, slight discomfort is normal. This usually goes away in a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help. Good oral hygiene is essential. Brush and floss regularly to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Avoid chewing hard foods or ice, as they can damage your new dental work. Regular dental check-ups ensure that your crown or bridge stays in good shape.
Conclusion
Dental crowns and bridges are effective solutions for restoring damaged or missing teeth. Understanding their benefits, the conditions they address, and the process involved helps you make an informed decision. They can improve oral health, appearance, and overall quality of life.
If you think crowns or bridges might be right for you, consult with a professional. At Dr. Jordan M. Job DDS, we are here to provide expert advice and personalized dental crown services for all your dental needs. Contact us today to learn more and schedule your appointment.
