Crowns and Bridges

A crown is a restoration or a “cap” that covers a severely damaged tooth. A bridge is a false, or replacement tooth used to “bridge” or connect the space caused by a missing tooth.

When the root structure of a tooth is still strong, but the surface of a tooth is too damaged to repair, a crown is used to cover the existing tooth. A crown is sized and shaped to replicate the original tooth. Made with various materials depending on the patient and circumstance, crowns create a strong, durable tooth surface, keeping your teeth stable.

The difference between crowns and fillings

Fillings are used when there is just a small amount of decay in a tooth. However, if there is a larger part of a tooth that is damaged and can’t hold a filling, a crown replaces the visible surface of a tooth above the gumline.

Crowns are better than pulling teeth

Pulling teeth can leave gaps that can change the appearance of your face and can cause an improper bite. A crown is used to rebuild your tooth and save the original tooth and root.

Types of dental crowns

Smile 32 Dental center can explain which type of crown makes sense for your circumstance. Each material has its own advantages. Here are some of the most popular varieties:

Gold Crowns

Although the look of a gold crown, usually used in the back of the mouth, makes an obvious contrast with natural teeth, gold is extremely workable and fits easily. More of the natural tooth structure remains intact since Gold requires the least preparation. Gold also doesn’t chip like other materials can and doesn’t cause wear on nearby teeth like other materials such as porcelain.

All Porcelain or All Ceramic Crowns

The natural, pleasing appearance of these crowns makes them a favorite choice. They can be created to look exactly like your other teeth. However, considerable preparation is required and they can be challenging for a dentist to fit tightly.

Porcelain-over-Metal Crowns

These crowns are both pleasing to the eye and durable. The color can be matched to your teeth’s appearance. Placed over a metal base, they have a metal center. Because of this, they are never as translucent as natural teeth or a completely porcelain crown. However, they are natural looking and strong.

Procedure for placing a crown

If a root canal is not needed, your dentist at Smile 32 Dental Center can prepare the tooth by filing it down between the adjacent teeth. This will be the base that your dentist will use to fit the crown over by making an impression of the tooth and the surrounding teeth. The lab will then use this impression to build a model for the crown. Often a temporary crown is placed until the new crown is ready, which usually takes about two weeks. When the new crown arrives, the temporary crown is removed and the new crown is placed permanently.

Crowns longevity

Although crowns are considered permanent restorations, they are not expected to last forever. They can last from ten to fifteen years with proper hygiene and sometimes even longer.

BRIDGES

A bridge is a false tooth, or a pontic, used to “bridge” the gap where a tooth is missing. Crowns can be used as anchors on adjacent teeth to support a bridge.

Types of Bridges

A fixed bridge is when a crown is fitted permanently on the teeth on both sides. The crowns on both sides anchor the false tooth. It is similar to a regular crown procedure and has the most natural fit and appearance.

A false tooth that is anchored to a tooth or teeth on one side and not the other is known as a cantilever bridge. This is also similar to a regular crown. It does not have the same strength as a traditional fixed bridge and is only used in areas on front teeth where there is less stress.

A removable bridge can be removed and may cost less. However, they also require more hygiene care.

Alternatives to a bridge

Partial dentures are removable and can replace one or many teeth. Dental implants are an alternative for missing teeth. Please ask your dentist at Smile 32 Dental Center about the advantages of each.