A dental crown covers an existing but weakened tooth to protect it from day-to-day wear. Dental bridges replace one or more missing teeth by “bridging” the space with a replacement tooth supported by remaining healthy teeth.
When Would I Need a Dental Crown?
If you have a broken or cracked tooth or a large area of decay, you might need a dental crown. Anytime a tooth suffers damage, it needs to be protected. Dental crowns protect your tooth structure with a porcelain cover—like a football helmet for your tooth.
A dental crown often comes after a root canal procedure. Root canals relieve pain and remove infection, but they may weaken the tooth. So, after a root canal is done, we suggest placing a crown on top.
A crown can also go over a tooth that has been severely chipped or broken. This not only protects that tooth from further damage but also the rest of your mouth.
A portion of your natural tooth must be available before a crown can be fitted. Crowns preserve at least some of your natural tooth, which makes it feel like a normal tooth. You will be able to eat and speak normally after a crown. With good hygiene and routine dental visits, crowns often last for many years.
When Would I Need a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge replaces a missing tooth by spanning the space where it would be. Bridges are one of the most conservative and cost-effective methods to replace missing teeth.
The teeth on either side of the space are prepped for crowns. The bridge will have a crown on each end, to connect to these adjacent teeth, and the false tooth will be held in the middle. A bridge restores your missing tooth as well as your ability to chew food. Unlike dentures, bridges are cemented in place, so they feel more natural and secure.
A bridge can be a good option for treating missing teeth as they do not require implants. Implants are not for everyone, so this can be an aesthetic and functional option.
Benefits of Crowns and Bridges
Accidents and infections happen. Most people don’t get the perfect smile naturally—they get it from dental procedures like crowns and bridges. Crowns and bridges have so many benefits:
- Aesthetics: Our crowns and bridges fix gaps that can make your smile look strange or unhealthy. Boost your confidence when you replace your missing tooth.
- Durability: Our crowns look beautiful, and they are also durable, especially when your general oral health is maintained.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Bridges and crowns are often less expensive than implants, but they solve the same cosmetic concerns.
- Oral Health: Keeping part of your tooth intact with a crown keeps your jaw bone and gums healthy and comfortable.
- Straight Smiles: Your teeth are less likely to shift if we treat a missing or damaged tooth.
- Comfortable: We customize our crowns and bridges to fit your teeth, so you’ll hardly notice them. Speaking and eating will still be comfortable.
- Clear Speech: Missing or damaged teeth can lead to lisping or whistling. With a crown or bridge, your speech can be clear.
Crowns and bridges can be a durable and aesthetic treatment option for so many issues. If you have an adult tooth that is damaged or infected, consider contacting us for a crown or bridge.
How Are Crowns and Bridges Made?
Crowns can be made out of a variety of materials. When you need a crown, we’ll make it blend with your other teeth in look and feel. Crowns and bridges are customized to your mouth, meaning that they do not irritate your gums, and they look natural. We will take a scan of your teeth, design your crown or bridge, and then place it in a later appointment.
Crowns and bridges are permanently bonded over your tooth. While you are waiting for your new tooth, we have non-permanent crowns and bridges to fill the space between appointments.
Get a New Smile With Crowns or Bridges!
If you have damaged or missing teeth, please do not hesitate to call the Tosh Dental Group. We are ready to restore the strength and look of your smile with dental crowns and bridges.