What Are Crown And Bridges?

Getting crowns and bridges are dental cosmetic procedures and are solutions for people with missing or broken teeth. Even though both crown and bridges are different procedures that give distinct results, the common element in both of them is the restoration of a beautiful smile.

The brief version of the main difference between both is that a crown uses a prosthetic device that treats the fractured or damaged tooth structure. Meanwhile, a bridge uses a prosthetic device to fill the void of the missing teeth.

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How Do They Work?

Both of these cosmetic dentistry procedures are fixed and can only be removed by dentists, unlike dentures, which you can remove easily for cleaning. Getting a crown and bridge helps in strengthening damaged teeth, improving appearances, alignment of teeth, the shape as well as fill the void of a missing tooth.

Crown:

As briefed above, a crown or a “cap” is a prosthetic or manufactured tooth made of ceramic or porcelain. You can get the texture and color of your crown matched to your existing tooth. If you are getting a crown for one of your back teeth, then to increase the strength of the teeth, you can even get a gold or metal alloy crown. Other then these, ceramic and acrylic caps are also available. The most common type of crown is metal shell infused with porcelain since it is very attractive and strong.

Bridges:

If you are missing one or more teeth, it’s better to opt for a bridge. If you lost your tooth quite recently, you probably don’t know this, but there’s an imbalance of teeth in your mouth. The gap left by your missing tooth will cause the remaining teeth to shift and rotate into the empty space. If you haven’t already noticed this happening, then you will, as soon as you experience a bad bite. This is why you need to get that imbalance checked immediately. If you don’t, you will practically be inviting gum diseases and joint disorders to attack you.

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When Should You Get A Crown Or A Bridge Fitting?

Even though we have touched upon the answer to this above, this question is so important that we had to answer it separately. Hence, if you notice any of the following signs, it’s time you get an appointment with a dentist.

• You have a damaged or fractured tooth
• You notice a lot of decay weakening your tooth
• You want an anchor to hold your bridge
• You have developed a severe discoloration
• You want to cover a dental implant
• You have a misshapen tooth
• You want to cover a root canal treated tooth

If you have even one of the signs mentioned above, then you need an assessment to determine your suitability for a crown or a bridge.

How Long Can Your Crowns And Bridges Last?

A crown or bridge fitting can last a person on average, 7 to 15 years, but with proper oral hygiene, care, and maintenance, they can last even longer. You should be very diligent about your routine dental checkups and keep asking your dentist about your oral hygiene maintenance.

Some dentists like the Staten Island NY Dentists offer single visit CEREC crown procedure that increases its life expectancy exponentially. All these ceramic crowns are custom stained and natural-looking.

How Do You Maintain Your Crown Or Bridge Fitting?

After you have a fitting, your dentist will guide you on how you can better take care of your crown or bridge to make it more effective. We have mentioned some general oral hygiene routine that you can incorporate in your daily routine today for maximum maintenances.

• Brush your teeth at least 3 times a day with a soft bristle brush
• Take extra care to floss around your crown where the tooth joins, to help avoid decay.
• You should avoid eating sticky, sugary food like candy and toffee.
• Avoid abusing teeth by chewing inappropriate objects like pen, fingernails, etc.

Bottom Line

Crown and bridges are manufactured teeth or covering that can help fix your smile and restore it to its previous glory. You have learned a lot form this article, but we still recommend that you seek professional diagnosis, advice and/or treatment.

Qualified dental health care providers, like the Staten Island NY Dentists at Ideal Smiles Dental, are available 24/7 to answer your queries at 718-535-1196.