Crown and bridge – AKOTA MULTISPECIALITY DENTAL CLINIC

Crown and bridge

A dental bridge is a permanent appliance that replaces a missing tooth or missing teeth. It has several pieces that are put together so they fit into the open space where your tooth (or teeth) used to be.

Bridges can be made of ceramic, resin, porcelain, or metals like cobalt and gold. When replacing front teeth, ceramic is a top choice. It mimics the translucency of natural teeth and can be matched to your natural color.

A dental crown can cap an individual’s damaged or decaying tooth or be placed on top of a dental implant to replace a missing tooth.

Bridges, on the other hand, are solely used to replace missing teeth. They have two crowns – one on either end – and a bridge of replacement teeth that rest in the area of the gums where there is tooth loss. The crowns at the ends of a bridge can fuse to existing teeth (that need to be filed down by a dental professional to fit correctly), or your dental professional can attach them to dental implants.

How do Bridges Work?

Whereas crowns can repair damaged teeth, a bridge’s sole function is to replace one or more missing teeth. For a bridge, your dental professional will place caps on filed-down teeth or dental implants at the outer edges of your area of loss. Replacement teeth (called pontics) span the space between the caps where the teeth are missing.

Just like with dental crowns, you have a choice of materials available to you for your bridge. Your dental professional is in the best position to advise you in your material choice base on your individual needs. However, you’ll both want to consider and discuss multiple factors like the visibility of the tooth, the cost, the strength, and how it looks.

How Long do Crowns and Bridges Last?

Sometimes crowns and bridges can become loose or fall out from the damage caused by chewing hard foods, ice, or other hard objects. Dental disease that causes tooth or bone loss is another reason crowns or bridges may loosen over time.

By practicing good oral hygiene, however, crowns and bridges can last a lifetime. Brush at least twice a day, floss or clean between your teeth with interdental brushes or water flossers at least once a day, and consider using other helpful products like antimicrobial mouth rinses and tongue scrapers. Be sure to see your dental professional for regular cleanings – not only to keep your teeth pearly white and bacteria-free but also to check the health of your crown or your bridge. Whether you and your dentist decide on a crown or a bridge for your replacements, we hope your new teeth make you smile.