Our teeth become more susceptible to damage and decay with each passing year. As they are weaker, they may start to crack or chip. That may negatively impact your smile, pose problems with chewing, and have an adverse effect on your oral health. If you are missing teeth, or if you suffer from damaged teeth, installing a crown or a bridge may be the right step for you. Dental restoration will boost your confidence, increase the functionality of your teeth, and give you your beautiful smile back. 

Installation of dental crowns

Dental crowns cover damaged teeth (in cases of weak enamel or severe decay) and implants. They not only protect your natural teeth, but also strengthen in and restore its size and shape. The appearance and alignment of teeth can be improved with crowns. Crowns are usually ceramic or porcelain and can be customized to match your natural teeth color. 

Who is a candidate for a dental crown? A patient who needs to: 

  • Restore a tooth that was broken 
  • Replace a filling in a situation when most of the tooth is missing
  • Protect a tooth that is weakened
  • Have a bridge attached
  • Cap an implant, misshapen tooth or a tooth that had root canal treatment.
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Installation of dental bridges

For patients with missing teeth, bridges are recommended. Gaps created by missing teeth can cause an array of dental issues: gum disease, jaw disorders, bad bite, teeth rotation and overall decline in oral health. The aesthetics of your smile are also affected. Replacing missing teeth with a dental restoration, like a bridge, is therefore important. 

Dental bridges are cemented to implants or your natural teeth that surround the gap. Those anchor teeth are capped with dental crowns, and the bridge is put over the gap. 

Bridges can be made using several different materials. Porcelain and ceramic are some of the more common ones since their color can be matched to your teeth. If you are interested, your dentist will explain different options and offer suggestions based on the location of the bridge, its function, cost, and overall appearance. 

Benefits of dental crowns and bridges

Installing dental restorations, such as crowns and bridges, can be very beneficial. Below, we list some of the advantages. 

Dental Crowns: 

  • Help restore the natural bite and tooth structure, while protecting damaged or weakened teeth 
  • Help reestablish your smile, restoring the color and shape of your teeth
  • Are pleasing to the eye, durable, and can last a long time (often at least 15 years).

Dental Bridges: 

  • Increase teeth functionality 
  • Improve eating, chewing and in some instances even clarity of speech lost due to missing teeth 
  • Equally distribute chewing force, supporting anchor teeth
  • Improve your smile and general oral health 
  • Are more durable than dentures and can last a long time. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Crowns & Bridges Anderson, Indiana [IN]

How are dental bridges and crowns installed? 

There are several steps in the process of installing dental bridges and crowns. First, the size of your tooth is reduced. That ensures that the restoration will fit properly. Next, an impression of your teeth is taken. It will serve as a mold for the crown or bridge. Your dentist will also determine the right shade of the restoration to match your natural teeth. 

Dental labs are places that make crowns and bridges. It takes a few weeks for them to be prepared. In the meantime, your dentist will put a temporary crown or bridge over your teeth. When the permanent restoration is ready for use, the temporary one is removed, and the new one is placed over your tooth or gap. 

What are the different types of dental bridges? 

There are four main types of dental bridges: traditional, cantilever, Maryland and implant-supported. 

A traditional bridge is made up of an artificial tooth (or teeth) held in place by crowns cemented onto anchor teeth. Traditional bridges are a popular option for patients who still have natural teeth surrounding the gap. 

Cantilever bridges are comparable to traditional bridges. The difference is that the pontic, or the false tooth, is held in place by only one crown cemented to an anchor tooth. 

A Maryland bridge requires two anchor teeth, one on each side of the gap. However, it does not require crowns on those anchor teeth. Instead, a metal or porcelain framework is bonded to the back on the anchor teeth. 

As for the last type of bridges, implant-supported, they require the use of dental implants in place of crowns or frameworks. Implants are placed over missing teeth, and then hold the bridge in place. This system is probably the strongest and most stable. It is, however, time consuming, as it takes two surgeries to be completed. Altogether, it might take a few months to install an implant-supported bridge. 

How much does it cost to install a dental crown or bridge? 

Dental restorations can be expensive. The total cost will depend on a variety of factors, including the number of teeth involved, the kind of treatment needed, your insurance and even the area you live in. In general, though, prices of crowns range between $1000 – $2400, while most bridges cost between $2000 – $5000. 

How long will a crown or a bridge last? 

Both crowns and bridges are long lasting restorations. With proper care and maintenance, they can last you a lifetime. They can, and sometimes do, become loose or fall out. When that happens, it is important to call your dentist. The doctor will perform an oral exam to check what caused the bridge or crown to become loose. They will also help you fix the restorations and cement them back in place. 

 

Anderson, IN

4139 S Scatterfield Rd, Anderson, IN 46013

Hours
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Including Weekends

765-227-1757