A crown is a dental restoration that completely covers or "caps" a tooth. A crown can be made of porcelain, metal, ceramic, or resin. Porcelain crowns are most often preferred because they mimic the translucency of natural teeth. The crown is bonded to the tooth using dental cement. The crown restores the tooth to its normal shape, size, and function. A dental bridge is a natural-looking dental appliance that replaces a section of missing teeth. Bridges can be made from gold, alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. They are bonded to adjacent teeth for support. A bridge fills the gap created by missing teeth and restores the natural contour of a smile.
Dental Crowns And Bridges Process
Your dentist will start by numbing the tooth and surrounding gum tissues. If the patient is getting a bridge, the teeth adjacent to the gap are prepared by removing a portion of enamel; otherwise, the dentist will file down the existing tooth to make room for the crown. After this step is complete, an impression is taken and sent to a lab to create your custom restoration. Once the crown or bridge is ready for placement, the dentist will prepare it for bonding by applying a special adhesive and cementing it into place. The crown or bridge is then polished, so it looks natural.
Typically, a crown can last for many years before it needs to be replaced; however, the lifespan of a bridge varies as it is dependent on the natural teeth that are supporting it.
Benefits of Dental Crowns And Bridges
If a cavity is too large, a crown may be necessary to restore the tooth's function and appearance. A crown not only covers the visible portion of the tooth but also protects the remaining structure underneath. If a tooth is broken or weakened by decay, a bridge may be used instead of crowning a single tooth. For this type of restoration, two crowns are placed on the teeth on either side of the gap. These anchor the bridge in place to restore the health of the entire smile. They are still an excellent option for restoring your teeth's health and appearance. Consult our dentist in Prosper to find out if you're a good candidate for any one of these treatments.
To learn more about our dental crowns and bridges in Prosper, TX, or to schedule a consultation with us, call Ross Dental Studio at (214) 225-2358 or visit us at 2111 E. University Dr. Ste. 20, Prosper, TX 75078. We're always happy to answer your questions.
