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Unlike dentures (which are removable), bridges and crowns are fixed prosthetic devices. These devices are attached to implants or natural teeth. Dental crowns and bridges should only be removed by a dentist. Bridges are used to replace missing teeth—as long as there are teeth behind and in front of the missing tooth. Crowns are used to repair chipped, decayed, broken, misshapen, or worn-down teeth.
Every year our teeth become weaker and become more susceptible to decay and damage. This leads to chips and cracks in the teeth. These cracks and chips can, in turn, cause issues with chewing, impact your smile, and cause oral health issues. If your teeth have been damaged or you are missing teeth, you may want to consider having a crown or bridge installed. A crown or bridge can increase the functionality of your teeth, increase your confidence, and give you back your beautiful smile!
Having Dental Crowns Installed
Dental crowns cover implants and—in cases of severe decay or weak enamel—damaged teeth. With crowns, the alignment and appearance of teeth can be improved. Crowns help to not only protect your natural teeth, but also restore the shape and size of your natural teeth. Dental crowns are generally porcelain or ceramic, and they can be customized to better match the look of your natural teeth.
Candidates for dental crowns include patients who need to:
- Replace a filling where most of the natural tooth is missing
- Protect a weakened tooth
- Restore a broken or damaged tooth
- Attach a bridge
- Cap a misshapen tooth, a tooth that has had root canal treatment, or an implant.
Having Dental Bridges Installed
For those that have gaps created by missing teeth, bridges are recommended. These gaps can lead to a variety of dental health issues that include jaw disorders, gum disease, teeth rotation, a bad bite, and a decline in oral health overall. Cosmetically, a gap in the smile of a patient doesn’t look great. These are the reasons why a dental restoration such as a bridge is so important.
Dental bridges are cemented to the natural teeth that surround the gap in your teeth or implants. The anchor teeth are capped with crowns, and the bridge is then placed over the gap.
There are a few different materials that dental bridges can be made with. The two most common are ceramic and porcelain. These materials are better able to match the appearance of natural teeth. If you would like to have a dental bridge placed, speak with your dentist. They will let you know about the cost and whether or not you are a good candidate for a dental bridge.
The Benefits of Dental Crowns and Bridges
The placement of dental restorations, such as bridges or crowns, is extremely beneficial for your oral health. These are a few of the advantages…
Dental Crowns:
- Help with the restoration of the natural tooth structure and bite, while also protecting weakened or damaged teeth
- Look great and are long-lasting (sometimes as long as 15 years)
- Restore the color and shape of your teeth—helping to improve the overall look of your smile
years.
Dental Bridges:
- Increase the functionality of your teeth
- Help to distribute bite force and support your anchor teeth
- Improve your oral health
- Improve your ability to chew and eat your favorite foods
- Improve your smile
- Are extremely durable and long-lasting
Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Crowns & Bridges Indianapolis, Indiana [IN]
How are dental crowns and bridges installed?
The dental crown or bridge installation process has multiple steps. Before the bridge or crown can be installed, the size of the tooth is reduced to ensure proper fit. An impression of the patient’s teeth is taken to serve as a mold for the bridge or crown. The dentist will then find the right shade to match the natural teeth of the patient.
After a few weeks, the crown or bridge of the patient will be prepared. This is done in a dental lab. While this is happening, a dentist will place a temporary bridge or crown over the teeth of the patient. Once the permanent restoration is completed, the temporary restoration will be removed, and the permanent restoration will be placed.
What are the different types of dental bridges?
The four main types of dental bridges are traditional, Maryland, implant-supported, and cantilever.
A traditional bridge is held in place by dental crowns that are cemented onto anchor teeth. These bridges are made up of an artificial tooth or teeth. Traditional bridges are a very popular option for patients that still have natural teeth around the gap.
Cantilever bridges are similar to traditional bridges, with the main difference being that the false tooth (pontic) is held in place with only one crown that is cemented onto an anchor tooth.
Implant-supported bridges require dental implants to place them. The implants hold the bridge in place and are placed over the patient’s missing teeth. This makes them very strong and stable. The placement process takes multiple surgeries and is time-consuming, though.
Finally, there are Maryland bridges. This form of dental bridge requires two anchor teeth. Crowns don’t need to be placed on these anchor teeth. Instead, a porcelain or metal framework is bonded onto the back of the anchor teeth.
What is the cost of installing a dental crown or bridge?
The cost of a dental bridge or crown will depend on different factors. These include the kind of treatment required, the number of teeth involved, your insurance, and more. With that said, dental restorations can be pretty expensive. Generally, the prices for dental bridges range from $2,000-$,5000, and the cost of crowns range from $1,000-$2,400.
How long will a crown or a bridge last?
Dental crowns and bridges are both long-term restorations. If you properly care for them, they can last decades…even a lifetime! With that said, they sometimes become loose or fall out. If this happens, it’s important to call your dentist for an oral exam to determine the reason for them falling out. They will be able to see what the problem is, address it, and possibly place the restorations again.