If you have damaged or missing teeth, some form of tooth restoration is needed to ensure your bite remains aligned and you don’t struggle with eating and talking. Crowns and bridges are two of the many options available. Which one is better for you depends on the circumstances.
Our expert dental professionals at Hometown Family Dental Centers offer crowns and bridges, among other tooth restoration options. Since many patients don’t know the differences between crowns and bridges, the team is taking this opportunity to get you in the know.
Periodontal (gum) disease is the biggest cause of missing teeth. It causes pockets between the teeth and gums, where food and bacteria can build up.
Gingivitis is the mildest form, characterized by inflammation, redness, and bleeding, especially when you brush. You can reverse gingivitis with professional care and a good at-home dental regimen.
However, if left untreated, it progresses to periodontitis, a more severe form. In this condition, the gums start pulling away from the tooth roots, and plaque builds below the gumline.
Other dental health conditions and behaviors that raise the risk of losing teeth include:
Losing teeth has a profound effect on your dental and overall health, including:
Replacing missing teeth can help forestall these problems.
Crowns, also known as dental caps, replace the visible portion of your tooth, the part above the gumline. They may be made from a variety of materials, including:
Sometimes, a combination of materials works best, such as porcelain fused to metal. We can color the porcelain to match the shade of your neighboring teeth, and the metal bonding prevents it from chipping and cracking.
We use crowns for cavities too big for a filling or to hold teeth with multiple fillings together. Crowns are also helpful if teeth are severely worn, cracked, or weakened.
In addition, crowns serve as the top portion of the tooth following a root canal because the tooth is more fragile after the procedure and needs protection, and as the topping for a dental implant.
Crowns are helpful for our next topic, as well — bridges.
Dental bridges are a restoration option that essentially bridges the gap created by one or more missing teeth, filling in for the lost ones.
A bridge consists of two or more crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap, known as anchoring or abutment teeth. It also contains false teeth, known as pontics, that serve as replacement teeth for the ones missing in the middle. The bridge is cemented on either side to the abutment teeth, making it a semi-permanent restoration option.
Filling the gap between teeth with a bridge prevents the remaining teeth from shifting into the space and causing a misaligned bite.
There are four different types of bridges, and which one we use depends on your unique circumstances.
If you have missing teeth, it’s important to fill the gap with a restoration to prevent new problems from developing. Call Hometown Family Dental Centers today to learn more about restorations or schedule an evaluation.
