Affordable Replacement for Missing Teeth with Dental Crowns and Bridges
Restoring a missing tooth or several teeth is essential for many reasons. Of course, appearance is the most apparent reason, as missing teeth are seen as unattractive. However, missing teeth can also damage your healthy teeth and leave you more suitable for infections like gum disease. Plus, the gap they create alters the shape of your jawline and can age your face significantly. This is why it’s essential to take care of missing teeth right away. At Innovative Dental by Dr. A, Dr. A and his talented team are experts at restoring damaged teeth using dental bridgework and Crowns.
Dental Bridges and Crowns
A dental crown is a false tooth or “pontic,” which can be a part of a dental bridge, implant, or dentures. A dental bridge is one or more pontics that replace missing teeth using either adjacent healthy teeth as abutments or dental implants to remain secured in your dental arch.
The abutment teeth hold the bridge in place using unique clasps, while implant-supported bridges are connected by two or more implants that support three or more connected dental crowns. For example, you can have two crowns supported by implants, connected to a single crown in the middle that’s not supported by an implant.
While crowns can be made of different materials, the most commonly used is porcelain. However, there are other materials, such as resin, ceramics, and metal (gold, nickel, or platinum). Interestingly, gold is considered one of the most durable materials despite its reputation as a “soft metal.”
Unlike porcelain crowns, a metal crown can’t crack. However, most people prefer the natural look of porcelain. There are also porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns which are more potent than ceramic and resin due to their metal core. While they are not as durable as all metals, they balance the strength of metal crowns with the aesthetic appeal of porcelain.
Always wanted to know the difference between a dental crown and bridge? Watch to find out!
Crowns and bridges that help you to smile! A dental crown sometimes known as a dental cap is a type of dental restoration that completely caps or encircles a tooth or dental implant. A dental bridge is a fixed dental restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth by joining an artificial tooth to adjacent teeth or implants.
How are crowns and bridges made?
Dental crowns and bridges can be made of a variety of different materials including ceramics, porcelain and metal, gold or resin. A tooth must be reduced in size so that the crown or bridge will fit over it properly. The dentist will take an impression to provide an exact mold for the crown or bridge. Using this impression a dental lab then makes the crown or bridge in the material that the dentists specific. When the crown or bridge is ready, it is cemented over the prepared tooth or teeth.
How long do crowns and bridges last?
In most cases, dental crowns and bridges on the front teeth will last up to 15 years. However some crowns have stayed for almost thirty years. Many patients will be pleased to find out these can last a lifetime, if cared for well.
Keep your gums and teeth healthy by brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and flossing daily. Also see your dentist and hygienist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings.
Learn More About Restoring Your Smile with Dental Crowns and Bridges
Dental bridges and crowns are among several options to restore your smile if you have missing teeth. To explore your options and find the best solution for your needs, contact Innovative Dental by Dr. A by calling (267) 463-2777 to schedule your consultation with Dr. A. Our office address is 7052-56 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19135.
