Making the right decision when it comes to dental care can require a lot of brainstorming and what ifs. It is more difficult when it comes to having prosthetics. Confusion would rise from either using a denture, dental implants or dentures crowns and bridges. Not to worry, this article is to tell you everything you need to know about dental crowns and bridges. It would subsequently help you make the right decision if need arises.
Dental Crowns and Bridges: What are They?
Dental crowns and bridges are restoratives used to replace a damaged tooth. A crown on the other hand is used when a single tooth is damaged while bridges are used when multiple teeth are damaged. Oftentimes, both need anchors to stay in the mouth without falling off. Crowns are made from the same color substance of the teeth known as porcelain. Sometimes, they come in ceramic forms. The color of your crown is majorly dependent on the color of your existing tooth. In other cases, crowns can also be made from gold alloys. These types of crowns are more durable and can be easily worn. They are supported with porcelain to give them that perfect look.Crowns fit like a cover of the newly shaped tooth and are cemented into position.
You may be asked to get a crown if you are to:
- Repair a broken teeth
- Attach a bridge
- Replace a deep filling
- Cover a weak tooth
On the other hand, you would be asked to get a bridge if you have one or two teeth missing at the same time. If missing tooth space is ignored, there are tendencies that existing teeth may likely fall into that space. Thus causing a malalignment of your teeth. Also, the imbalance of a missing tooth may also cause a gum disease as well as a temporo mandibular joint disorder. Bridges are cemented to the natural teeth or implants surrounding the empty space. These teeth, called abutments, serve as anchors for the bridge. A replacement tooth, called a pontic, is attached to the crowns that cover the abutments. As with crowns, you have a choice of materials for bridges. We can help you decide which to use, based on the location of the missing tooth (or teeth), its function, aesthetic considerations and cost. Porcelain or ceramic bridges can be matched to the color of your natural teeth.
How are Crowns and Bridges Made?
Prior to the construction of crowns and bridges, the tooth or teeth that would serve as an anchor would be reduced and prepared such that it can serve as an anchor for the restoratives. After tooth/teeth reduction, we would take an impression of your mouth in order to get the exact measurement of your mouth. If it is a porcelain crown or bridge, we would check out your teeth color and get your exact samples. After this, your measurement would be taken to the dental lab to begin the construction of your crown or bridge. This construction would be done as exactly as described by the dentist. First a temporary crown and bridge would be constructed to help you maintain the space and help your aesthetics. As soon as the permanent crown and bridge is constructed, it would be cemented over your teeth.
How Long do Crowns and Bridges Last?
Of a truth, Crowns and Bridges are long lasting, however, in some cases they may appear loose or fall out. A bridge can lose its support if the teeth or bone holding it in place are damaged by dental disease. Keep your gums and teeth healthy by brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and flossing daily. Also remember to visit us at regulars for your check ups and professional cleanings. Lastly to prevent damage to your restoratives, avoid chewing hard food. If you believe you need a bridge or a crown, kindly call us on 0818136000 in Lagos or 08181360023 in Abuja. Alternatively, book appointment here.
