Most people take great care of their smiles based on the understanding that we only get one set of permanent teeth in our lives. However, infections and other issues happen, and a patient may lose one or more teeth. Some patients may also experience tooth damage that will also affect their smiles. Fortunately, dentists can offer different restoration procedures to help patients regain confidence in their smiles and improve their oral health.
Some of the most popular methods of smile restoration your dentist in South Edmonton may recommend to you are dental bridges and crowns.
What Is a Dental Crown?
Also known as a “cap,” dental crowns are prosthetic, custom-made teeth that sit over damaged teeth. A crown will improve your tooth’s appearance and help protect it from succumbing to further harm. Dental crowns can be made of ceramic or porcelain so that it blends in with any remaining natural teeth. Some other materials are also available, such as metal and gold, which are very durable and inexpensive but are more noticeable.
To apply your new dental crowns, your dentist will first schedule you for a consultation, where they will examine your oral cavity and see if the crowns are indeed suitable for you. If so, your dentist will get to work preparing your tooth to receive the crown; often, this requires filing and reshaping the tooth. Once this is done, your dentist will put a temporary crown in place while the permanent crown is being made.
When your final crown is ready, you will book another appointment where the dentist will install it. Your dentist will ensure the crown is comfortable, looks natural, and is to your liking.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
Dental bridges are ideal if a patient has lost one or more teeth. A traditional bridge consists of artificial teeth held in place by crowns. The middle crowns are used to replace the missing tooth or teeth, and the crowns on either side are placed over your natural teeth to hold the structure in place.
There are different types of dental bridges. The most popular is a traditional bridge; other alternatives include a cantilever dental bridge and a Maryland dental bridge. A cantilever bridge is held in place by only one dental crown attached to a supporting tooth. If a patient only has one remaining natural tooth next to the empty spaces, this kind of bridge can be used.
A Maryland dental bridge is very similar to a traditional procedure, but instead of using crowns over the existing teeth, a dentist near you will connect the bridge with a metal structure that fastens to the back of your remaining teeth. This option can also only be used if a patient has two existing teeth on either side of the gaps.
The procedure for dental bridges is similar to that of a crown. Your dentist will first use a mold of your smile to prepare the bridge. They will give you a temporary solution until your dental bridge is ready and finalize the process by explaining how to care for your new smile.
Main Difference Between Bridges and Crowns
Dental crowns are caps added to damaged or decayed teeth. Crowns will be placed over the teeth as a form of replacement. A crown will need to be placed over a dental implant to replace fully missing teeth. Dental bridges are used to replace multiple teeth and incorporate crowns as part of their structure. The crowns will be placed on both sides of the bridge, holding the prosthetic in place. The bridge will cover a gap in your smile and protect your gum from any dental issues.
If you are interested in dental bridges near you or want to learn more about crowns and bridges, don’t hesitate to contact our friendly staff at Landmark Dental. Our dental clinic offers various services, including crowns and dental bridges in Edmonton, and we are here to help you restore your smile and take care of your oral health.