The Benefits Of Dental Crowns and Bridges: A Complete Guide

June 21, 2023 Woodcrest Dental

Dental crowns and bridges are common restorative treatments to repair damaged teeth and replace missing ones. They offer a range of benefits, from restoring oral functionality to enhancing the aesthetics of your smile. This comprehensive guide will delve into the benefits of dental crowns and bridges, exploring how they can improve your dental health and overall well-being.

Restoring Damaged Teeth With Dental Crowns:

Dental crowns are custom-made caps that cover a damaged tooth, restoring its shape, strength, and appearance. Here are some key benefits of dental crowns:

Protection:

Crowns protect weakened teeth, preventing further damage and fracture. They act as a shield, safeguarding the underlying tooth structure.

Durability:

Made from strong and durable materials such as porcelain, ceramic, or metal alloys, dental crowns can withstand the forces of biting and chewing. They are designed to last for many years with proper care.

Natural Appearance:

Crowns can match the color and shape of your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless and natural-looking restoration. This enhances the aesthetics of your smile and boosts self-confidence.

Improved Functionality:

By restoring the shape and function of damaged teeth, dental crowns enable you to bite, chew, and speak comfortably. They restore oral functionality and allow for proper alignment of the bite.

Replacing Missing Teeth With Dental Bridges:

Dental bridges are used to replace one or more missing teeth. They consist of artificial teeth (pontics) supported by dental crowns on adjacent natural teeth or dental implants. Here are the benefits of dental bridges:

Restored Chewing and Speaking Abilities:

Dental bridges fill the gaps left by missing teeth, allowing for proper chewing and speaking. They help distribute the biting forces evenly, preventing strain on surrounding teeth.

Maintained Facial Structure:

Missing teeth can lead to facial sagging and a sunken appearance. Dental bridges fill the gaps, supporting the facial structure and maintaining a youthful appearance.

Preventing Teeth Shifting:

When missing, neighboring teeth can shift into the space, causing misalignment and bite problems. Dental bridges help keep adjacent teeth in their proper positions, preserving dental harmony.

Enhanced Confidence And Self-Esteem:

Dental bridges provide a natural-looking replacement for missing teeth, improving the aesthetics of your smile. This can boost your self-confidence and enhance your overall quality of life.

Longevity And Maintenance:

Both dental crowns and bridges are designed to be long-lasting with proper care and maintenance. Here are some essential tips:

Oral Hygiene:

Maintain excellent oral hygiene by brushing twice daily, flossing regularly, and using antimicrobial mouthwash. This helps prevent decay and gum disease around the crowned or bridged teeth.

Regular Dental Check-ups:

Visit your dentist for routine check-ups and professional cleanings. Dentists can assess the condition of your crowns and bridges, identify any issues early, and provide appropriate care.

Avoid Harmful Habits:

Refrain from habits such as biting hard objects, opening packages with your teeth, or grinding your teeth. These can damage dental restorations and compromise their longevity.

Follow the Dentist’s Recommendations:

Listen to your dentist’s guidance on caring for your crowns and bridges. They may recommend specific dental products or techniques to ensure optimal maintenance.

The Bottom Line

Dental crowns and bridges offer many benefits, from restoring damaged teeth to replacing missing ones. They can significantly enhance your dental health and overall well-being by providing protection, durability, natural appearance, and improved functionality. With proper care and maintenance, dental crowns and bridges can serve as long-lasting solutions, allowing you to enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile for years. Consult with your dentist to determine if dental crowns or bridges are the right treatment options for your specific needs, and reap their numerous benefits.

Dental Crown

Things you need to know before choosing Dental Crowns

April 17, 2023 Woodcrest Dental

Smiling is one of a person’s most beautiful expressions, but what happens when your smile isn’t perfect? Whether you’ve chipped a tooth or suffered from decay, dental crowns may be the solution to restoring your smile. From porcelain to ceramic, there are many types of crowns available today. However, with so much information, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and confused about which option is right for you. Fear not! Our ultimate guide to dental crowns covers everything you need to know about this versatile cosmetic dentistry treatment. So sit back, relax, and get ready to learn how dental crowns can restore your confidence and give you the perfect smile you deserve!

What is a Dental Crown?

It is a tooth-shaped “cap” placed over a tooth to cover it and return to its shape and size. A dental crown can be used to:

-Protect a weak tooth from breaking

-Support a tooth with a large filling

-Cover a misshapen or discolored tooth

-Attach a dental bridge

-Cover an implant

Benefits of Dental Crowns

There are many benefits of dental crowns. For example, they can be used to protect a tooth that is damaged or decayed, to support a tooth that has a large filling, or to cover a misshapen or discolored tooth. Crowns can also be used to maintain a dental bridge in place or to cover an implant.

Dental crowns are made of solid and durable materials designed to last many years with proper care. In addition, they can be made to match the color of your natural teeth, so they blend in seamlessly.

Crowns are a great way to restore the function and appearance of your smile. If you have a damaged, discolored, misshapen, or missing tooth, talk to your dentist about whether a crown is right for you.

Types of Dental Crowns

The most common types of dental crowns are made from porcelain, ceramic, or metal.

Porcelain and ceramic crowns are the most familiar type of dental crowns. They are made from a mixture of porcelain and other materials, such as zirconia or feldspathic porcelains. Porcelain crowns are strong and durable and can match your original teeth’ color.

Metal crowns are made from gold, platinum, palladium, or a base-metal alloy. Metal crowns are strong and durable but can be more visible than porcelain or ceramic crowns. Metal crowns are often used for back teeth.

Other types of dental crowns include:

– Composite resin: These crowns are made from plastic and glass particles. They can be matched to the color of your natural teeth. Composite resin crowns are less expensive than porcelain or ceramic crowns, but they are less strong and durable.

– Stainless steel: Stainless steel is a metal often used for temporary dental crowns. Stainless steel crowns can be used until your permanent Crown is ready.

– Zirconia: Zirconia is a type of ceramic that is stronger than other types of ceramics. It can be matched to the color of your natural teeth.

How Much Time Does It Take to Make a Dental Crown?

It typically takes two dental visits to complete a dental crown procedure. During the first visit, your dentist will take an impression of your tooth, which will be used to create the Crown. They will also place a temporary crown on your tooth while you wait for the permanent one to be made. The second visit is when you’ll get your permanent Crown placed over your natural tooth. Your dentist may need to adjust the fit of the Crown during this visit.

What Are the Steps Involved in Getting a Dental Crown?

1. The first step is to schedule an appointment with your dentist. They will assess your situation and determine if a dental crown is best for you.

2. If they decide a crown is right for you, they will take x-rays and impressions of your teeth to create a custom fit for your new Crown.

3. Once your Crown is ready, you will return for a second appointment to have it placed. Again, your dentist will clean and prep your tooth before placing the Crown over it and securing it with dental cement or screws.

4. After your Crown is in place, you must care for it like your natural teeth – brush and floss regularly and see your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.

Taking Care of Your Dental Crown

Your dental Crown is an essential investment in your smile, so taking care of it is essential! Here are a few tips to keep your Crown looking and functioning at its best:

–Brush and floss regularly: This will help remove plaque and bacteria from around your Crown, which can help prevent decay.

–Avoid hard foods: Biting into hard foods can stress your Crown and potentially damage it. Instead, stick to softer foods that won’t put too much pressure on your tooth.

–See your dentist regularly: Your dentist will be able to check for any signs of wear or damage to your Crown during regular checkups.

Source: Dental Health Society

Conclusion

We hope this guide has helped you better understand what dental crowns are and why they can be an excellent solution for your oral health needs. Whether you want to repair a damaged tooth or protect it from further harm, dental crowns could be your answer. Be sure to discuss your options with your dentist before making any final decisions about treatment so that together you can devise the best plan for restoring or protecting your teeth.