Dental Crowns & Bridges

What are Dental Crowns & Bridges?

Over time, teeth can be damaged, cracked or weakened by decay. Dentists use a crown to cover or “cap” a damaged tooth. Crowns are made to match the color of your natural teeth, and besides strengthening an impaired tooth, these can be used to improve your teeth’s appearance, shape, or alignment.

Dental crowns are formulated from stainless steel, ceramic, acrylic, gold, and metal alloys. Unlike removable devices such as dentures, crowns are cemented onto existing teeth or implants and can only be removed by your dentist.

Dr. Bellam & the team at Restore Smiles may recommend a crown to:

Protect a weak tooth from breaking, or holding together segments of a cracked tooth.
Restore an already damaged tooth.
Replace a large filling when there is not enough tooth remaining
Hold a dental bridge in place
Cover a dental implant
Cover a poorly shaped or severely discolored tooth
Cover a tooth that has had root canal treatment

How long does a dental crown last?

With good oral hygiene, crowns can last a lifetime. A crown may come loose or fall out if the underlying tooth is damaged by gum disease or tooth decay. While a crowned tooth does not require special care, keeping your gums and teeth healthy is essential by brushing with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes twice a day and flossing daily. Also, remember that regular checkups and professional cleanings are necessary to ensure you maintain your optimum oral health.

BRIDGES

Dental bridges, also known as fixed, removable dentures, literally bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth. A typical bridge is made up of two crowns (one on either side of the gap) and a false tooth/teeth in between. Bridges are attached to surrounding natural teeth or dental implants for support. The anchoring teeth are called abutment teeth, and the false teeth are called pontics. Pontics can be made from porcelain, alloys, gold, or a combination of materials.
Dr. Bellam & the team will recommend bridges if you have missing teeth with good support structures to anchor. If you have lost a tooth/teeth, bridges can restore your smile and your ability to speak and chew and maintain your facial structure properly. Bridges can also prevent your remaining teeth from shifting out of position.

How long do dental bridges last?

Depending on which type of bridge your dentist suggests, its success depends on the foundation. On average, dental bridges can last five to seven years. A fixed bridge can last for over a decade with good oral hygiene and regular professional cleaning. This is why keeping your remaining teeth strong and healthy is vital.