Welcome to our dental health blog, where we provide expert advice on maintaining a healthy and beautiful smile.
Introduction
Damaged or missing teeth can affect not only your confidence but also your ability to chew, speak, and maintain good oral health. Fortunately, dental crowns and bridges are reliable solutions that can restore both the function and appearance of your teeth. According to the British Dental Association, these restorations are common and effective treatments that help preserve your natural smile while enhancing aesthetics.
In this blog, we’ll explore what crowns and bridges are, how they work, and what you can expect from the treatment process. Whether you're dealing with damaged teeth or gaps in your smile, crowns and bridges offer an excellent way to restore both beauty and function.
What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap placed over a damaged, decayed, or weakened tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns are typically recommended when a tooth is too damaged to support a regular filling or needs extra protection after a root canal.
Types of Dental Crowns
Crowns can be made from several materials, each offering different benefits:
- Porcelain or Ceramic Crowns: These are often used for front teeth as they closely resemble the natural colour of your teeth, providing the most aesthetically pleasing results.
- Metal Crowns: Made from gold or other alloys, metal crowns are highly durable and resistant to wear. They’re often used for back teeth where strength is more important than aesthetics.
- Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns: These crowns offer the durability of metal with a more natural appearance, as the metal is covered with a layer of tooth-coloured porcelain.
- Zirconia Crowns: Zirconia crowns are known for their strength and natural appearance, making them a good option for both front and back teeth.
When Are Crowns Needed?
A dental crown may be recommended in the following situations:
- To protect a weakened tooth from breaking or restore a broken tooth.
- To cover and support a tooth with a large filling when there isn’t enough tooth structure left.
- To cap a tooth that has undergone a root canal.
- To cover misshapen or severely discoloured teeth for cosmetic purposes.
- To anchor a dental bridge (more on bridges below).
What Are Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth. It literally "bridges" the gap created by missing teeth, with one or more false teeth (called pontics) held in place by dental crowns attached to the natural teeth or implants on either side of the gap.
Types of Dental Bridges
- Traditional Bridge: This is the most common type of bridge, involving crowns placed on the teeth next to the gap with a pontic (false tooth) in between.
- Cantilever Bridge: In this case, the pontic is supported by a single crown, often used when there is only one natural tooth next to the gap.
- Maryland Bridge: This type uses a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the backs of adjacent teeth, requiring less alteration to the surrounding teeth.
- Implant-Supported Bridge: Instead of using crowns on adjacent teeth, this type of bridge is supported by dental implants, making it a durable option for those with multiple missing teeth.
When Are Bridges Needed?
A dental bridge may be recommended in the following cases:
- To replace one or more missing teeth and restore the ability to chew and speak properly.
- To prevent remaining teeth from shifting into the gap left by a missing tooth.
- To restore the shape of your face, which may be affected by missing teeth.
- To improve the appearance of your smile by filling gaps.
The Crowns and Bridges Procedure
Getting a dental crown or bridge usually involves two or more dental visits. Here’s what you can expect during the process:
1. Initial Consultation and Preparation
During your first visit, your dentist will examine your teeth and take X-rays to assess the situation. If a crown or bridge is deemed necessary, the tooth (or teeth) will be prepared by reshaping it to make room for the crown or bridge.
- For Crowns: The dentist will remove a portion of the tooth’s enamel to allow the crown to fit properly.
- For Bridges: The adjacent teeth, called abutments, will be reshaped to support the bridge.
2. Impressions
Once the tooth is prepared, your dentist will take an impression of your teeth to ensure a perfect fit for your crown or bridge. This impression is sent to a dental laboratory where your custom crown or bridge is made.
In the meantime, your dentist will place a temporary crown or bridge to protect the prepared tooth while you wait for your permanent restoration.
3. Fitting and Placement
At your second visit, your dentist will remove the temporary crown or bridge and check the fit of your custom restoration. Once you’re happy with the look and feel, the permanent crown or bridge will be cemented into place.
- Adjustments: Your dentist may make small adjustments to ensure your bite is comfortable and the restoration fits seamlessly with your natural teeth.
Benefits of Crowns and Bridges
1. Restores Function
Crowns and bridges restore your ability to chew, bite, and speak properly by filling in gaps and protecting damaged teeth.
2. Enhances Aesthetics
Whether it’s a single tooth or a gap left by missing teeth, crowns and bridges can significantly improve the appearance of your smile. Porcelain or ceramic crowns, in particular, provide a natural, tooth-like appearance.
3. Prevents Shifting Teeth
When you lose a tooth, the surrounding teeth can begin to shift out of place, leading to misalignment and bite issues. Dental bridges help prevent this by filling in the space and keeping your teeth in their proper positions.
4. Long-Lasting Solution
With proper care, dental crowns and bridges can last many years—up to 10-15 years ormore. They’re a durable, cost-effective solution for tooth restoration.
How to Care for Crowns and Bridges
Just like natural teeth, crowns and bridges require proper care to ensure their longevity and keep your smile healthy. Here are some tips:
1. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily to remove plaque and prevent decay around the edges of your crown or bridge. Your dentist may recommend interdental brushes or a water flosser to clean under and around your bridge.
2. Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods
While crowns and bridges are durable, they can still be damaged by hard foods like ice or nuts, or sticky foods like toffees. Be mindful of what you eat to prevent unnecessary damage.
3. Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Regular dental check-ups allow your dentist to monitor the health of your crowns, bridges, and surrounding teeth. Your dentist will also professionally clean and check your restorations for any signs of wear or damage.
4. Protect Your Teeth from Grinding
If you grind your teeth at night, wearing a nightguard can protect your crowns and bridges from excess wear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How long do crowns and bridges last?
A: With proper care, crowns and bridges can last between 10 and 15 years, though some may last even longer. Good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups are key to ensuring their longevity.
Q2: Are crowns and bridges painful to get?
A: The procedure to get a crown or bridge is generally not painful. Your dentist will use local anaesthesia to numb the area while preparing the tooth. Some patients may experience mild sensitivity afterward, but this usually subsides within a few days.
Q3: Can I eat normally with a crown or bridge?
A: Yes, once your crown or bridge is fitted, you should be able to eat normally. However,avoid hard or sticky foods in the first few days after placement, and be mindful of chewing onthe restored teeth to prevent damage.
Conclusion
Dental crowns and bridges are excellent solutions for restoring the function and beauty of your smile. Whether you're looking to repair a damaged tooth or replace a missing one, these treatments offer long-lasting, natural-looking results. By maintaining good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist regularly, you can ensure that your crowns and bridges remain in great condition for years to come.
Next Steps
If you think you may need a crown or bridge, schedule a consultation with your dentist. They can assess your oral health and help you choose the best solution for restoring your smile
