Bridges and Crowns
There are plenty of reasons why it’s important to repair damaged or missing teeth. They can compromise your oral health, change your appearance, make it difficult to eat or drink, and can even make it challenging to speak normally. If you have a missing, cracked, chipped, or broken tooth (or teeth), then restorative procedures such as bridges and crowns can restore your smile’s strength and appearance.
What Is a Dental Crown?
Dental crowns, also sometimes called caps, are tooth-shaped appliances that are permanently bonded to a patient’s existing tooth structure. They completely cover and seal the portion of the tooth that’s above the gum line.
The Benefits of a Dental Crown
- Dental crowns protect and restore natural teeth. As a result, many patients avoid the need for tooth extractions by receiving dental crowns. Following a root canal, injury, or significant damage, a crown can save a patient's compromised tooth. Natural teeth are almost always preferable to synthetic teeth. Although implants and pontics are designed to be durable and long-lasting, saving a patient's natural teeth (when possible) is usually the best choice.
- Dental crowns strengthen teeth that have been significantly weakened by tooth decay or other damage.
- They also provide support to structurally damaged teeth. If you have a broken, fractured, chipped, or otherwise compromised tooth, a crown will hold it together.
- Crowns are also aesthetically pleasing. They're designed to blend naturally with your existing teeth, matching tooth color, and they can also improve your smile's appearance. Whether they're covering up unsightly dental work, a discoloration, or restoring a tooth's shape, crowns create an attractive smile.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a permanent dental device designed to replace one or more consecutive missing teeth. A bridge is made of two crowns (which are affixed to the teeth on either side of the gap) and one or more pontics (synthetic teeth that replace the missing tooth or teeth).
The Benefits of a Dental Bridge
- A dental bridge is a quick solution for restoring missing teeth. Having a dental bridge placed typically requires only two appointments.
- They have a natural feel and look. The crowns and pontics used on a dental bridge are manufactured specially for each patient's mouth. They're designed to create a look that matches your natural teeth and are also made to fit your natural bite.
- Dental bridges also fortify your mouth. The crowns protect neighboring teeth from damage and decay, while the pontics prevent neighboring teeth from shifting out of alignment.
Schedule a Smile Restoration Consultation at Kenmore Smiles Family Dentistry
If you’re missing one or more teeth or have damaged teeth that could compromise your oral health, we encourage you schedule a consultation to discuss your options for smile restoration. Dr. Bradley Mott will help you determine the best way to restore your teeth, your smile’s strength and appearance, and safeguard your health. To schedule an appointment, contact our Kenmore office today.
