Bridges
Bridges are aesthetically pleasing dental devices designed to fill gaps left by missing teeth. Custom-crafted for a seamless fit, bridges restore the natural shape of your smile and help maintain the correct bite alignment between your upper and lower teeth.
Often referred to as fixed partial dentures, bridges are semi-permanent solutions that are anchored to adjacent natural teeth or dental implants. There are various types of fixed dental bridges, including conventional fixed bridges, cantilever bridges, and resin-bonded bridges. Unlike removable bridges, which can be taken out for cleaning, fixed bridges can only be removed by a dentist.
Typically constructed from materials like porcelain, gold alloys, or a combination of these, bridges are durable and blend well with your existing teeth. Additionally, implant bridges are secured directly to the bone or gum tissue, providing a stable foundation for your dental restoration.
Crowns
Crowns are artificial caps, commonly crafted from materials like porcelain, that fit over the top of a tooth.
They are primarily employed to restore both the functionality and appearance of a tooth following restorative treatments, such as a root canal. When tooth decay is so extensive that significant portions of the tooth need to be removed, crowns are often used to rebuild the tooth structure.
Additionally, crowns can be utilized to secure bridges, cover dental implants, prevent further damage to a cracked tooth, or reinforce an existing filling that is at risk of loosening or falling out. They also play an important role in aesthetics, as they can be applied to restore the natural appearance of a discolored or stained tooth.
Procedures
To fit a crown, the tooth typically needs to be resized. An impression of the prepared tooth is then taken to create a custom crown. This impression is sent to a specialized lab, where the crown is fabricated. In certain situations, a temporary crown may be placed until the permanent one is ready. Once complete, the permanent crown is securely cemented onto the tooth.
It’s important to note that crowns are often mistaken for veneers, but they serve different purposes. Veneers are generally used to cover smaller sections of a tooth rather than the entire structure.
Maintaining your crowns
When well-maintained, a high-quality crown can last eight years or more. Flossing around the crown is essential to prevent plaque buildup and debris accumulation near the restoration.
Habits like jaw clenching and bruxism (grinding your teeth) can greatly reduce a crown’s lifespan. Additionally, consuming hard foods, ice, or hard candy can weaken the bond of the crown or even cause damage to it.
