A crown is essentially a cap that is placed over a damaged tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. It is custom-made to fit your tooth perfectly and can be made from materials like porcelain or metal alloys. They are often recommended for teeth that have undergone extensive decay or damage.
On the other hand, bridges are used when one or more adjacent teeth are missing. They consist of two crowns on either side of the gap with an artificial tooth (pontic) in between. The crowns act as anchors for the bridge and help fill in the space left by missing teeth.
The Procedure for Getting a Crown
The procedure of getting a crown is a common dental treatment that can restore the appearance and functionality of a damaged tooth. It typically involves multiple visits to the dentist, but the end result is well worth it. During the first visit, our dentist will examine the affected tooth and prepare it for the crown. This may involve removing any decay or shaping the tooth to ensure a proper fit for the crown. An impression of your tooth will then be taken, which will serve as a mold for creating your custom-made crown.
While waiting for your permanent crown to be made in a dental laboratory, you may be fitted with a temporary crown to protect your prepared tooth. Once your permanent crown is ready, you'll return to have it placed. At this appointment, the dentist will remove the temporary crown and carefully place and adjust the new one. They will check both its fit and color match before cementing it into place using specialized dental adhesive.
The Procedure for Getting a Bridge
Getting a dental bridge is a common and effective solution for replacing missing teeth. The procedure typically involves several steps, beginning with an initial consultation with our dentist. During the first visit, the dentist will examine your mouth and take impressions of your teeth to create a custom bridge that fits perfectly. They may also take X-rays to assess the condition of the surrounding teeth and bone. Once the bridge is ready, the next step is preparing the adjacent teeth for crowns. This involves removing a small amount of enamel from these teeth to make room for the dental crowns that will anchor the bridge in place.
After preparing the abutment teeth, temporary crowns are placed on them while you wait for your permanent bridge to be fabricated in a dental laboratory. This process usually takes about two weeks. When your permanent bridge is ready, you'll return to have it fitted and adjusted by the dentist. They will ensure that it has proper alignment and fit before permanently cementing it into place using strong dental adhesive.
Benefits of Getting Crowns and Bridges
- Crowns and bridges offer numerous benefits for individuals with missing or damaged teeth. First and foremost, they can greatly enhance the appearance of your smile. Crowns are custom-made to match the color, size, and shape of your natural teeth, resulting in a seamless blend that looks completely natural. Bridges fill in gaps left by missing teeth and prevent surrounding teeth from shifting out of place.
- In addition to their cosmetic benefits, crowns, and bridges also provide functional advantages. They restore the strength and functionality of damaged or weakened teeth so you can chew food properly without discomfort. This allows you to enjoy all types of foods again without worrying about sensitivity or pain.
- Another benefit is durability – crowns and bridges are designed to last for many years with proper care. Unlike dentures that need regular removal for cleaning, these restorations remain firmly in place, allowing you to brush them just like you do with natural teeth.
- Getting crowns or bridges can help maintain the alignment of your bite by preventing adjacent teeth from shifting into empty spaces created by missing ones.
If you're dealing with damaged or missing teeth, don't hesitate to explore the options of dental crowns and bridges. To learn more about crowns and bridges, call 408-364-1122 or visit 1570 LA Pradera Dr, Campbell, CA 95008.