
To solve those dental problems, your dentist may suggest an installation of a crown or a bridge. With those restorations in place, your smile will be improved, your confidence boosted and most importantly, your teeth’s functionality increased.
Most bridges and crowns are prosthetic devices, just like dentures. Dentures, however, are removable, while crowns and bridges are not; they are cemented onto existing teeth or implants. That means they could only be removed a professional.
Crowns restore teeth that are misshapen, broken, chipped, decayed or worn-down. Bridges replace missing teeth when there are remaining teeth around the missing tooth.
Installation of crowns
Crown cover damaged teeth (for example after a root canal treatment or when the tooth’s enamel is weak). They restore the correct shape and size of the tooth, improving its appearance and alignment, while simultaneously strengthening and protecting it. Crowns can also be placed over implants.
Crowns can be customized to match your natural teeth color since they are usually porcelain or ceramic. A good candidate for a crown is a patient who needs to:
- Replace a filling when most of the tooth is missing
- Restore a chipped or broken tooth
- Protect a damaged or weekend tooth
- Have a bridge attached
- Cover an implant, a misshapen tooth or a tooth that underwent a root canal treatment.
Installation of bridges
Patients who are missing one or more teeth are good candidates for dental bridges. Gaps in their mouths may greatly affect their oral health. They may suffer from gum diseases, jaw disorders, bad bite or teeth rotations. The appearance of their smile may also be a cause for concern. To replace missing teeth, bridges may be recommended.
Dental bridges are put in places of absent teeth. They are attached to the implants or natural teeth that surround the gap. Those anchor teeth are capped with crowns, as the bridge covers the gap between them.
Bridges can be made from various materials, similarly to crowns and dental fillings. Ceramic or porcelain bridges are common since they can be matched to your natural teeth’s color and shape. However, your dentist can go over the different options with you, considering all factors such as cost, function, location of the bridge and aesthetics.
What are the benefits of dental crown and bridges?
Installing a dental crown or a bridge may be greatly beneficial and improve your overall oral health. Here is why.
Dental Crowns:
- Restore the natural bite and structure of the weakened or damaged tooth, while protecting it
- Improve your smile, while restoring the natural shape and color of your tooth
- Are strong and durable and can last you for years to come.
Dental Bridges:
- Improve chewing, eating and even clarity of speech (in cases of missing teeth)
- Restore the functionality of your teeth
- Support the anchor teeth by distributing the chewing force more evenly
- Are sturdy and often last longer than removable dentures.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Crowns & Bridges Columbus, Indiana [IN]
What happens during an installation of a bridge or crown?
First, your tooth needs to be reduced in size to properly fit a crown or a bridge. Next, a mold for the restoration needs to be created, so your dentist will take and impression of your teeth. They may also determine the shade of the crown or a bridge, so it matches your natural teeth color.
Permanent crowns and bridges are made in dental labs. Your dentist will place temporary restorations over your teeth before the permanent ones can be used. Once it arrives, the temporary crown/bridge will be removed, and the permanent restoration cemented into place.
Are there different types of dental bridges?
Yes, there are four main types of dental bridges: traditional, cantilever, Maryland and implant-supported.
The traditional bridge is the most common dental bridge used, especially if you have your natural teeth on both sides of the gap. It is essentially a false tooth (or teeth) that is supported and held in place by crowns installed over the anchor teeth.
Cantilever bridge is comparable to the traditional bridge, however in this restoration the false tooth is held in place by a crown placed on one anchor (or abutment) tooth.
A Maryland bridge also needs two anchor teeth, one on each side of the gap. Unlike the traditional bridge though, the Maryland bridge does not require crowns on supporting teeth. It has a framework, made of porcelain or metal, that is bonded to the back of the anchor teeth.
Implant-supported bridges use implants instead of frameworks or crowns. For every missing tooth, there is an implant put in its place. Those implants, then, can support the bridge. This restoration is probably the most stable strongest, but it is time consuming. It takes at least two dental surgeries and a few months to be fully completed.
Your dentist will help you decide which dental bridge will meet your needs and be the best option for you.
How expensive are crowns and bridges?
Dental crowns and bridges can get expensive. The total cost depends on the number of teeth involved, your insurance plan and even the region you live in. Average price for a crown ranges between $1000- $2400, while most bridges cost between $2000 – $5000.
Will crowns and bridges last me a while?
Yes. If you take good care of those restorations, they can last you a lifetime. It is, however, possible for them to become loose or fall out. If that happens, contact your dentist immediately. They can re-cement crowns and bridges. They will also check your gums and teeth to make sure there are no underlying problems, such as infections, that caused the restorations to become loose.
Columbus, IN
1641 N National Rd, Columbus, IN 47201
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