Dental Crowns & Bridges
Crowns and bridges are both forms of restorative dentistry. Patients with weak or discolored teeth can also opt for a dental crown. Patients with missing sections of teeth are typical candidates for dental bridges. At Tower Dental Associates, we make restorative dentistry as simple and comfortable as possible.
Dental Crowns
A dental crown is essentially a cap placed over a tooth. Crowns are tooth-shaped and cover the damaged tooth. Typically, they last between five and 15 years depending on how they’re cared for.
There are different types of crowns, so it’s important to talk to our dentists to find out which one is right for you. Stainless steel or metal crowns may be a great option for back teeth, but to keep your smile bright and white, it’s a good idea to use porcelain or resin on the front teeth. Dental crowns can even be more effective than fillings for your primary molar teeth.
Dental Crown Procedures
Typically, to make room for a crown, a tooth must be reduced in size. After the reduction, the dentist will make an impression of the existing tooth, and our team will work with a special lab to create a custom-designed crown perfect for your tooth. If the process is too long, we’ll use a temporary crown until the permanent one arrives. When the permanent crown is ready, it’s cemented in place for years to come.
Caring For Your Crowns
Keeping a healthy oral hygiene routine will help your crown last 10 years or longer. Make sure to brush and floss your crown just as you would a normal tooth. Though it’s made of a different material than your teeth, a crown can be decayed by plaque.
Some people have behaviors like jaw clenching or teeth grinding, which can significantly shorten the life of the crown. If you have these habits, it’s a good idea to talk to our dentists about what you can do to lessen these behaviors and increase the life of your crown. It’s also important to stay away from brittle foods or hard candy that can damage the crown or its bonding.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are natural-looking dental appliances that can replace a section of missing teeth. They literally “bridge” the gap between teeth. Two or more crowns help anchor the bridge, and false teeth lay in between. Dental bridges improve your smile by hiding the gaps left by missing teeth.
In addition to aesthetics, bridges also improve other aspects of your life and oral health. For starters, they make it much easier to chew and speak. They also help distribute the force of your bite and prevent your remaining teeth from moving out of position.
Dental bridges typically last five to 15 years, but they can last longer if they are properly maintained.
If you think you may need a crown or a bridge, contact us at Tower Dental Associates to make an appointment.
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