Dental Crowns and Bridges
Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a cap that fits over a damaged or weakened tooth. It’s a popular restorative treatment that can restore the tooth’s function, appearance, and strength.
Why Do I Need a Dental Crown?
Here are several reasons that you might need a dental crown.
Severe Tooth Decay: When a cavity becomes too large, a filling may no longer be sufficient to repair the damage. A crown can provide a more durable solution.
Cracked or Broken Teeth: If a tooth is cracked or broken, a crown can protect the remaining tooth structure and prevent further damage.
Root Canal Treatment: After a root canal procedure, a crown is often necessary to strengthen the weakened tooth and protect it from fracture.
Cosmetic Reasons: Crowns can also be used for cosmetic purposes, such as improving the appearance of a discolored or misshapen tooth.
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge consists of artificial teeth that replace missing spaces in your mouth. They can be used to replace one tooth or multiple teeth. As the name implies, a dental bridge creates a “bridge” over the missing space. The most common type of dental bridge is made with artificial teeth, called pontics, with dental crowns attached to both sides. The crowns are permanently bonded to your natural teeth, creating a “bridge” over the missing space. Depending on your needs, a dental bridge may contain several pontics.
Types of Dental Bridges
It’s important to note there are different types of dental bridges. Your provider will choose the best option for your needs and oral health goals.
Take a look at the four main types of dental bridges below:
Traditional Dental Bridge
This is the most popular dental bridge on the market today. As we discussed earlier, these devices consist of artificial teeth with dental crowns on both sides. Your dentist will often use this method if you have healthy natural teeth on both sides of the gap.
Cantilever Dental Bridge
This type is similar to a traditional bridge. The only difference is that these devices only use one crown instead of two. That said, a cantilever dental bridge features artificial teeth that “hang over” the missing space. Given this design, these oral appliances aren’t as durable as a traditional bridge. Providers use this option if there’s only one healthy natural tooth on either side of the gap.
Maryland Dental Bridge
Instead of using your natural teeth, a Maryland bridge utilizes metal wings to hold the bridge in place. These metal wings are bonded to neighboring teeth. A Maryland bridge isn’t as strong as other types, so it’s only used for front teeth.
Implant-Supported Bridge
This type of bridge uses dental implants for support instead of natural teeth or metal wings. However, you can’t start this procedure until the implants have completely fused together with your jawbone. An implant-supported bridge may be used if you have three or more missing teeth in a row.
If you’re ready to get started with dental crowns and bridge treatment contact Premier Dentistry today!
