Cosmetic Dentistry
Dental Crowns & Bridges

Dental Crowns & Bridges

A beautiful smile, no matter how tempting, is often difficult to achieve. People with stained, misaligned, or missing teeth can often shy away from social circles or look away when they speak. In fact, recent research indicates that people who neglect to care for their oral health or those who avoid the dentist like a plague, tend to be unhappier in their lives, likely due to poor oral health concerns that torment them.

A direct link has been identified between a beautiful smile and poor self-esteem, which is why many dentists around the world encourage their patients to be proactive about their precious smiles by brushing and flossing regularly. Unfortunately, substandard oral hygiene habits are difficult to break, which often condemns you down the path of weakened teeth and a dreadful cosmetic bearing.

But, as luck would have it, dental crowns and bridges are among the most common restorative prostheses that help alleviate your dental concerns while also keeping up with the aesthetic needs that today’s Insta culture has inculcated. Adorn your teeth with a stunning crown, because what is a King without one?

What is a dental crown?

A dental crown is a custom-made hollow “cap” or cover that is placed on a prepared tooth in order to restore its structure. Since the crown is made to cover the entire visible portion of the tooth that lies at and above the gum line, it helps strengthen a damaged tooth while also improving its quality. The crown is fabricated to alter the shape, alignment, and appearance of a defective tooth and is a permanent restorative solution.

What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge is offered to patients who are missing more than one tooth in their mouth. This “bridge” is made up of two or more dental crowns on either side of a gap made by a missing tooth with a false tooth (or teeth) placed in between. These fake teeth are called pontics and can be made of multiple dental materials such as alloys, porcelain, gold, or a combination of them. The anchoring teeth are called abutments and hold the adjoining crowns in place.

According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), porcelain bridges versatile in their function and can be any one of these types:

● Traditional bridges: Pontic teeth are held in place by abutment teeth on two sides

● Cantilever bridges: Pontic teeth are held in place by abutment teeth on only one side

● Maryland bridges:  A framework of metal bonded on the backs of abutment teeth are used on two sides instead of pontic.

● Implant-supported bridges: Pontic teeth are held in place by implants on two sides

When are dental crowns and bridges used?

Your dentist may recommend you a dental crown or bridge in the following cases:

● To replace a large filling when there isn’t enough tooth material remaining

● To restore fractured or cracked tooth

● To protect a weakened tooth from fracturing

● To cover a dental implant

● To strengthen a tooth that has recently undergone root canal therapy

● To cover a tooth that is discolored or poorly shaped

How long do dental crowns and bridges last?

Ideally, crowns and bridges can last anywhere between seven to fifteen years depending on your standard of care. Your oral hygiene routine plays a crucial role in the longevity of these dental prostheses.

Dental crowns and bridges are great alternatives to dentures for eradicating the problem of toothlessness. If you are keen on taking your smile to the next level, dental crowns or bridges may be the right options for you. Want your smile to be your crowning glory? Get your dental crowns or bridges done today!

 

 

References:

1. American Dental Association (ADA), “Crowns” –

https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/c/crowns#:~:text=A%20crown%20can%20help%20strengthen,are%20discolored%20or%20badly%20shaped.

 

2. American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry –

https://yoursmilebecomesyou.com/procedures/cosmetic-dentistry/porcelain-fixed-bridges-usa

 

 

 

 

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