If your teeth are discoloured, worn out and damaged, you’re likely seeking a tooth replacement. It is never easy to showcase a smile with one or more missing teeth. It damages self-esteem and makes you feel less attractive and less confident.
Thankfully, there are a variety of different treatment options available to restore the health of your teeth.
Have you considered dental crowns and bridges? You may feel confused in understanding the difference between the two, but crowns and bridges are perfect to fill a gap, fix damaged teeth and improve the appearance of your smile.
Dental crowns and bridges have more similarities than you think.
What Is A Dental Crown?
A dental crown act as a restorative dental cap that protects your tooth. If a tooth is damaged, the crown is permanently cemented over the tooth to shield it. Once they’re fitted, they’re fitted permanently and also require oral hygiene care just like your natural teeth.
Crowns are typically used to:
- Act as protection for the weak teeth to avoid fracturing
- Straighten misshapen teeth
- Restore a fractured tooth
- Cover a chipped dental implant
- Cover a tooth that may be discoloured or cracked
- Protect a tooth from root canal treatment
- Replace a large filling or cavity
The crown fitting procedure requires the dentist to examine your tooth and file it down to prepare the crown. An impression is taken of the tooth to mould the crown to ensure the crown is the right shape for it to naturally fit into the structure of your teeth.
What Is A Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a ceramic structure that serves as anchors to one or more crowns on either side of a missing tooth. Known simply as “bridging the gap”, an artificial tooth is joined against the abutment teeth and shaded to match your natural teeth. A bridge can be supported for dental implants as well.
Bridges can also address the following concerns:
- Damage to the gums as you bite
- Teeth drifting out of position
- Chipped or cracked bridge material due to poor oral hygiene
- Replacing broken bridges
- Bacteria forming due to broken bridges
What Are The Different Types Of Crowns?
Many people use crowns to heal and protect their teeth. Crowns are made up of four types of material.
Ceramic Crowns
Made out of porcelain fillings, which is recommended for restoring the front teeth. These types of crowns can become brittle.
Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain crowns are designed to resemble your natural teeth. It covers the entire surface of the affected tooth.
Gold Alloy Crowns
These crowns are made out of gold, silver or platinum. These are more resistant to wear and fracturing. They are the most expensive, most durable and can last for a very long time.
Consult your dentist on the best form of dental crown that’s right for you.
What Are The Different Types Of Bridges?
There are three main types of dental bridges to choose from.
Implant-Supported Bridges
Implant bridges are similar to traditional bridges, an artificial tooth that fills the gap between other teeth. The difference compared to traditional bridges is that it doesn’t require anchoring or support from any natural teeth.
Traditional Bridges
A false tooth is held in place by the crowns that are fixed to bridge the gap between your teeth.
Maryland Bridges
Maryland bridges involve the support of neighboured teeth acting as an anchor on both sides, where metal frameworks are bonded like wings to either side of the porcelain tooth used to fill the gap.
How Do I Know Which One Is Better For Me?
Let’s break it down in simpler terms to help you make the right choice between crowns and bridges. If your tooth is damaged, but it isn’t “dead” and the remains of the tooth can still be used, you would choose a crown. If a tooth is “dead” and needs to be removed or a tooth is missing, choose a dental bridge.
Consult your dentist first before making the decision. Getting a professional second opinion from a knowledgeable dentist like Complete Family Dental will help you determine which option is right for you.