If you have missing or damaged teeth, there are several ways to replace them with fixed prosthetic devices, and dental crowns and bridges are among the most popular options. The dentists at Go2Dental Sarasota in Raymore, Missouri, apply crowns and bridges to improve both the appearance and function of their patients’ teeth.
There are four types of crowns: all-porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, base metal alloy, and gold and metal alloy. The type of material used will depend on the purpose of the crown. For example, porcelain crowns are typically used to repair front teeth that have been discolored or are misshapen. Ceramics also blend in well with the natural color of a tooth.
Porcelain fused to metal crowns are sturdier than all-porcelain ones. They’re also more resistant to stains than porcelains made from other materials, which may be why they’re more common. These crowns require less tooth removal for fitting than all-porcelain models, and they are more affordable.
Gold and metal alloy crowns are also very strong, but they’re not as flexible or durable as all-porcelain crowns. These materials will require a stronger dental filling material to seal properly.
When you decide to get a dental crown, your dentist will first remove the decayed or broken teeth on either side of the space that you’re going to fill with a crown. Next, they’ll prep the healthy teeth on either side of the gap so that they can support a crown or a bridge.
Then, your dentist will place the crown or bridge on top of the tooth, and they’ll bond the two together so that they look and feel like a natural tooth. Afterward, you’ll be left with a new and improved tooth that you can smile confidently about.
A bridge is a more versatile solution for replacing missing teeth, but it can be more expensive than a crown. This is because a bridge requires the teeth on either side of the gap to be reduced and prepared in order for it to hold its anchors and pontics (false teeth).
There are three different kinds of bridges, but the most common one is traditional bridges. They usually consist of two dental crowns on either side of the gap and a pontic, or false tooth, in the middle.
If your dentist isn’t sure which one would be best for you, they can talk with you about the specific needs of your teeth and mouth. Ultimately, they’ll help you choose the restoration that will give you the most benefit and the most long-term results.
They are a great way to restore the health and beauty of your smile, and they can be done in as little as a few visits to the dentist. With proper care, they can last for years.
You may have some sensitivity to hot or cold after getting your crown or bridge, especially when you’re eating. This is normal, though it will subside over time as you become accustomed to your new restorations.