A bright smile can really boost your confidence and overall well-being. If you have issues like damaged or missing teeth, restorative dentistry has options for you. Dental crowns and bridges can help. These treatments have changed many smiles, improving oral health and helping people feel happy with their smiles again.
Exploring Dental Crowns and Bridges
Let’s explain the differences between dental bridges and crowns. This way, you can join in on discussions about your treatment with your dentist.
Defining Dental Crowns and Their Purpose
A dental crown is like a special helmet for your tooth. It is a cap shaped like a tooth that fits closely over a damaged tooth, helping restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance.
Why do you need a dental crown? There are many reasons. You might have a severely damaged tooth or want to improve the way your smile looks. A dental crown is needed when the tooth has major decay, a large filling, or after a root canal. Crowns also help in cosmetic dentistry by fixing problems like discoloration, oddly shaped teeth, or small misalignments.
A dental crown strengthens a weak tooth and helps prevent further damage. This handy treatment improves teeth’ function and smile appearance.
Understanding Dental Bridges and How They Work
A dental bridge acts as a link to fill the gap left by missing teeth. It is a device that restores your smile by covering up the space left behind.
This type of bridge includes a false tooth called a pontic, which is supported by dental crowns. The crowns fit over the adjacent teeth, known as abutment teeth, to keep everything in place.
Dental bridges help your bite work properly, making it easier to chew. They also stop nearby teeth from moving and help keep your jawline aligned.
The Procedure: What to Expect
Your path to a restored tooth with a crown usually requires two visits to the dentist’s office. In the first appointment, your dentist will numb the area around the needed tooth. This will help make sure you are comfortable and pain-free. They will shape the tooth so that the crown fits well. Then, they will take impressions of your teeth using a putty-like material. The dental lab will send these impressions to create your custom crown. While your permanent crown is being made, you will get a temporary crown. This lets you eat and smile easily in the meantime.
The second appointment is for the permanent crown. First, the dentist will remove the temporary crown. Then, they will check that the new crown fits correctly before securing it in place. This will restore both function and beauty to your smile.
Remember that every step in this process aims to keep you comfortable and help ensure a good, lasting result.
How Dental Bridges Are Fitted
Getting a dental bridge usually requires two visits to the dentist. During the first visit, your dentist will prepare and shape the abutment teeth so that the crowns will fit properly on the bridge.
Next, like with a dental crown, teeth impressions are taken. These impressions will help create your custom bridge in a dental lab. While the permanent bridge is made, you will get a temporary bridge.
The second appointment is for installing your new permanent bridge. During this visit, your dentist will remove the temporary bridge, check how the permanent bridge fits, and make sure your bite is correct. Then, they will cement it in place, creating a restored, natural-looking smile.
Learn More About Dental Bridges and Crowns
Understanding the difference between dental bridges and crowns is essential to making good decisions about oral health. Each choice has its benefits and points to consider, so it should fit your needs. If you need to restore a single tooth, a dental crown might be right for you. If you have missing teeth, a dental bridge can help. You should talk to your dentist, as their knowledge will help you find the best option for your long-term oral health and well-being. Also, keeping regular dental visits and following the right care instructions will help your dental work last longer. For more information on dental bridges and crowns, contact Stiles Dental Care today.
