What Are Crowns and Bridges?
A crown is a tooth-shaped shell made of porcelain. The crown is designed to fit over a prepared tooth and completely covers it up to the gum line. This protects the tooth from further damage. Crowns are needed when a tooth has a large filling, cracking, very deep cavities, severe wear or a root canal. Crowns may also be used in cosmetic procedures.
Bridges are made of a series of crowns used to replace missing teeth. When making a bridge, the teeth on either side of the missing tooth are prepared for a crown, and a bridge is made connecting the teeth to restore the area where the tooth is missing. Bridges are an alternative to a partial denture or implant to replace a missing tooth.
During the procedure the area where the crown or bridge will be is locally numbed. The teeth are prepared, and impressions and models are made of the teeth and sent to our dental lab for the crown or bridge to be made specifically to fit your teeth. You will go home with a temporary crown or bridge and return to be fitted for the final restoration.
Understanding the Difference Between Crowns and Bridges
Dental crowns and bridges serve different purposes but both play a vital role in restoring your smile:
- Dental Crowns: A crown is a custom-made cap that covers a damaged or decayed tooth. It provides protection and restores the shape and strength of the natural tooth underneath.
- Dental Bridges: A bridge is designed to fill the gap created by one or more missing teeth. It consists of one or more false teeth (pontics) anchored to surrounding natural teeth, often supported by crowns.
Before placing a crown, the natural tooth is prepared by removing damaged areas and, if necessary, treating infections. Permanent bridges, unlike removable partial dentures, are securely anchored using crowns on adjacent teeth.
The Benefits of Dental Crowns and Bridges
Dental crowns and bridges offer numerous advantages that contribute to both dental health and overall well-being:
- Restore Proper Function: These treatments help you chew properly, which stimulates underlying bone tissue, preventing bone loss and tooth loss.
- Diet and Nutrition: Crowns and bridges allow you to chew hard foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, ensuring a healthy, balanced diet.
- Maintain Alignment: They help preserve proper bite alignment, reducing the risk of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD).
- Aesthetic Enhancement: Dental crowns and bridges can improve the appearance of your smile. You can choose a porcelain shade that matches your natural teeth, and for a uniform color, it's best to select the shade after professional tooth whitening.
Restore Your Smile with Crowns and Bridges
At Moment Dental Round Rock, we are dedicated to improving both the health and appearance of your smile. Whether you're looking to restore damaged teeth or enhance your smile's aesthetics, we offer top-quality general and cosmetic dentistry services in Round Rock, TX. Dr. Phan is here to help you achieve your ideal smile. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn if dental crowns and bridges are the right solution for you.