Discover the Power of Dental Crowns and Bridges: Types, Benefits, and FAQs

Overview

Dental crowns and bridges are fixed prostheses made of various materials fitted on existing teeth with adhesives. Also called “Crowns or Caps,” they are made in a lab and specially designed for dental prosthetics. Dental crowns can be a solution if you are hesitant to smile due to damaged or missing teeth or if you have trouble eating because of missing teeth.

What Are Dental Crowns and Bridges?

Dental crowns and bridges are customized lab-designed prostheses made by AB technicians on instructions from the dentist. The dentist records patient impressions digitally or physically and sends them to the lab with specific instructions on the shape, color and type of material to be used. Single or multi-unit restorations can be done to restore your smile.

• Dental Crowns: Often called “caps,” crowns are custom-fitted coverings placed over a damaged or decayed tooth. They restore shape, size, strength, and appearance, mimicking the function of a natural tooth.
• Dental Bridges: These prosthetics “bridge” the gap left by missing teeth. A bridge consists of artificial teeth (pontics) supported by crowns on adjacent natural teeth or dental implants.

Types of Dental Crowns and Bridges

Types of Dental Crowns:

1. All-Porcelain Crowns: These are all glass-based, have a natural look, and are ideal for front teeth. However, they are less durable than metal-based crowns. Avoid having hard bits with these, like nuts or seeds.
2. Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns: These crowns are strong and aesthetically pleasing but thicker at the margins and can leave black lines around the gum.
3. Gold or Metal Crowns: Full Metal or Gold Crowns are mono products with no layers. Their strong nature is desirable but unpleasant to look at.
4. Coronas de circonio are a popular choice due to their strength and lifelike appearance. Metal-free prostheses tend to be more aesthetically pleasant. They are available in both layered and monotypes.

Types of Dental Bridges:

• Traditional Bridges: The most common type, consisting of crowns on both sides of the gap with a pontic in between. Healthy teeth are used for support, which are called abutments.
• Cantilever Bridges are used when only one adjacent tooth is available for support, though they are not recommended for high-chewing areas.
• Maryland Bridges: Adhesive-bonded bridges that attach to adjacent teeth are often used for front teeth. They do not require removing or shaving any teeth.
• 4. Implant-Supported Bridges: These are supported by dental implants instead of natural teeth and are ideal for replacing multiple missing teeth.

Advantages of Dental Crowns and Bridges:

There are several advantages to getting crowns and bridges. Eating better, beautiful full smile and no moving parts inside the mouth like dentures. Advantages are numerous.

• Chewing Restored: Chewing and speaking abilities return to normal.
• Enhanced Aesthetics: Achieve a natural-looking, confident smile.
• Preventive Benefits: Bridges prevent surrounding teeth from shifting.
• Durabilidad: With proper care, these restorations can last for many years.

Fixed prostheses can restore your lifestyle and confidence. Better chewing capability can also improve your diet intake and make it easier for your gut to break down food.

Disadvantages of Dental Crowns and Bridges

With all surgical procedures, there are certain risks that can be avoided with the help of your dentist.  Before making a decision, consult your dentist for more information. Some basic issues you should look at are stated under:

• Shaving teeth: Adjacent teeth may require reshaping, potentially weakening them.
• Risk of Decay: If not properly fitted, bacteria can accumulate under the crown or bridge.
• Porcelain Chipping: Porcelain crowns can chip or crack, especially for teeth grinders.
• Cost: Expenses can be high, and insurance coverage varies.

Suitability for Children

Dental crowns may be used for children with severely decayed primary teeth; bridges are generally not recommended due to jaw development.

Medical Considerations

Patients with medical conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune diseases should consult their dentist, as these conditions may affect healing and treatment success.

Traveling with Dental Restorations

Worried about airport security or medical scans? Most crowns and bridges, especially non-metallic ones, do not trigger metal detectors or interfere with MRI scans. Inform security or medical personnel as needed.

¿Listo para restaurar tu sonrisa?

Si está buscando restaurar su sonrisa con coronas dentales de alta calidad en Cypress, TX, no busque más que Cypress Towne Dental. Ya sea que tenga un diente roto, una caries grave o simplemente esté buscando mejoras cosméticas, nuestro equipo está aquí para ayudarlo.

Conclusión

New technologies and 3D design have revolutionized the dental industry. With precision and design information, lab techs can work wonders for dentists and their patients, crafting beautiful smiles. It is a new world with excellent results that can last a long time. Talk to your dentist at Clínica Dental Cypress to get you on a rehab plan with Dental Crowns or Bridges to get you smiling back.

Why wait? Take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile today!

Top 10 FAQs About Dental Crowns and Bridges

• 1. How long do dental crowns and bridges last?
  • With proper care, they can last 10–15 years or longer.
• 2. Is the procedure painful?
  • Local anesthesia is used, and a numbing gel is applied to ease the needle pain. Sedation can also be used to make the procedure more comfortable.
• 3. How do I care for my crowns and bridges?
  • Maintain good oral hygiene, avoid hard foods, and visit your dentist regularly. It’s like regular dental care, but it takes more effort to clean around fixed teeth.
• 4. Can I whiten my crowns or bridges?
  • No, whitening treatments do not affect them. Consider whitening before getting restorations.
• 5. Will my crowned tooth be sensitive?
  • They can be sensitive, but it subsides over a few days.
• 6. Can a crown or bridge fall out?
  • If the adhesive fails, but if it happens, see your dentist immediately, as the loose crown can be fitted back in place. 
• 7. Are there alternatives to bridges for missing teeth?
  • Yes, dental implants and partial dentures are options. However, they also come with conditions that you need to discuss with your dentist.