Dental Crowns and Bridges 101: Everything You Need to Know

Sometimes our teeth may get damaged, cracked, decayed, or lost, and finding dental solutions that you can fix these dental problems is important. Dental crowns and bridges are perfect solutions to these dental imperfections. Interestingly, these are two are different dental procedures.

What are Dental Crowns and Bridges?

Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that are placed over the teeth to restore the size, shape, and appearance of the teeth. These caps are cemented into place to fully cover the visible part of the teeth.
Dental bridges are made of crowns and an artificial tooth that bridges the gap between the teeth. The bridges can restore your smile and maintain the shape of your face.

The Bridges and Crowns Cover a Few Dental Imperfections

Both dental crowns and bridges fix and replace your teeth. However, they both cover different dental problems.
Dental crowns are used to protect, restore weak and broken teeth. Plus, the crowns can be used to hold a bridge, cover an implant, and misshapen teeth.

Bridges, on the other hand, help to replace missing teeth and preventing jaw degeneration.

Bridges and Crowns Are Available in Different Types

You will have a variety of options regardless of the dental restoration you choose. For dental crowns at dentistry in Gilbert, AZ you can choose:

• Stainless steel crowns are used as a temporary measure as you wait for the permanent teeth to be made. These crowns are also ideal for children as they protect the primary teeth from decay.
• Metal crowns come in different shapes such as gold, silver, and alloy. They are durable but very visible, hence they are ideal for the back teeth.
• Porcelain or ceramic crowns provide natural color and are ideal for people with metal allergies.
• Resin crowns are less expensive, but will wear out after some time and also discolor.

Dental bridges are available in three different types:

• Traditional bridges are the commonly used bridges and are made of porcelain or metals. These bridges are fixed on either side of the missing tooth.
• Cantilever bridges are similar to the traditional ones but are fixed on one adjacent tooth. Because of that, the bridges are not ideal for the back teeth.
• Maryland bridges are supported by metal or porcelain framework.

The Dental Restorations Require at Least Two Dental Visits

Both dental crowns and bridges need fixing and will require two dental visits. Plus, the process involves a few steps.

• First dental visit

On your initial dental visit, the dentist will examine your teeth using modern dental tools such as x-ray. Next, a dental cleaning is done to remove any buildup.

The dentist will anesthetize the gums and prepare the teeth for fixing the crowns and bridges. For both procedures, your enamel is reshaped to make room for the crowns. A dental impression of your teeth is taken to the lab for making the permanent bridges and crowns. It can take two to three weeks to get the models back, in the meantime the dentist will fix temporary dental crowns and bridges to cover the teeth from sensitivity.

• Second visit

The dentist will remove the temporary restorations and cement the permanent ones in place using special cement. The excess cement is removed and teeth polished.

A follow-up dental visit may be scheduled to assess how the gums are tolerating the dental restorations.

No special Dental Instructions

You don’t require any special instructions to care for the bridges and crowns. Both have a seamless look and they function just like your natural teeth. However, you must maintain proper dental hygiene to protect the teeth underneath from decay.

Also, limit consumption of coffee, tea, wine, and cocoa to prevent discoloration. Remember, once the crowns discolor, you cannot bleach them, only a replacement will be required.
Dental crowns and bridges can last between five and 15 years.

Schedule an appointment

Both dental bridges and crowns are affordable procedures that can restore your teeth appearance. Visit Town Square Dental for a consultation on dental bridges and the other dental treatments we offer.