Crowns and bridges are very popular and functional dental solutions that can be used to restore your smile. Here is what you need to know about these very effective and common dental treatments.

 

What is a dental crown?

A dental crown is one of the most common types of dental restoration. They are tooth-shaped but hollow prosthetics that are designed to completely cover teeth which are badly damaged or decayed. Each dental crown is customized for the individual tooth and patient, designed specifically in the shape, size and even glazed in the appropriate color so that it blends seamlessly into the rest of your smile. This makes it virtually invisible once in place.

 

What can a dental crown be used for?

Dental crowns are an effective way of addressing a range of different dental problems. Some of the most popular uses of dental crowns include:

-          Covering teeth that are eroded or undersized

-          Covering teeth that are broken, thus restoring the shape and strength of the tooth

-          Restoring a tooth that is too decayed for a regular cavity filling to be effective

-          Where a cavity filling has failed

-          Where your tooth is badly stained or discolored

-          To protect the tooth following root canal therapy

-          To support a dental bridge

-          To form the visible element of a dental implant to replace an entire missing tooth and root structure

 

The application of dental crowns

Dental crowns typically require you to make two visits to your dentist’s office. During the first, your tooth will be prepared. This may include filing down some of the natural tooth so that the crown can fit properly over the top, or in the case of a badly broken or eroded tooth, you may need to have it built up so that the crown is properly supported. Once the preparation work has been carried out, an impression of your tooth will be taken which will be used to create your customized crown. You will be fitted with a temporary crown and asked to return a week or so later. At this second appointment, the fit of your bespoke crown will be checked and then it will be cemented permanently in place.

Most dental crown procedures can be carried out with minimal anesthetic. With proper care, you can feasibly expect your crown to last up to ten years before it requires replacement.

 

What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge is another fairly common solution that can be used to restore missing teeth. It comprises of one or several artificial teeth, called pontics. These are flanked on their side by crowns (see above). These crowns are placed over the healthy natural teeth either side of your gap and secured in place, providing an anchor and the necessary support for the entire bridge. Again, bridges are custom designed and created for each individual patient so that it resembles natural teeth as closely as possible.

Dental bridges are predominantly made from porcelain as this enables them to be glazed in a shade that matches your existing teeth and ensures discretion. However, they can also be made from gold, alloy or a combination of these metals and porcelain.

There are several different types of dental bridges, enabling you to find a variety that meets your requirements. These include a traditional fixed bridge which is the most common variety, a cantilever bridge, which is used when you only have supporting teeth on one side of the gap and an implant-supported bridge. This is where the entire bridge is attached to implant posts rather than being secured purely to healthy teeth.

 

The application of a dental bridge

The application of your dental bridge will depend on exactly which type of bridge you are having. However, the process itself is not at all dissimilar to getting dental crowns and this is because, in most instances, crowns are needed to support the bridge. The impressions that are taken after preparing any natural teeth will be used to create the entire bridge structure. Again, most of the work can be carried out with minimal anesthetic and usually takes place over two visits to your dentist’s offices.

If you would like to restore your smile using crowns and bridges, our expert dental team would be happy to schedule a consultation for you to come in and visit the SmileOn Dentistry office where we can evaluate your teeth and determine if these solutions are right for you. Please contact Dr. Ramona Sabbaghian and Dr. Anahita Sabaghian today.