A Complete Guide To Dental Bridges & Crowns

When you visit your dentist with one or more missing teeth, they may recommend you to get artificial replacements. There are removable options available such as dentures that you can remove and clean, but they can shift, slide around or fall out, which many people might not prefer using them. This is the reason why some bridges and crowns function more like your natural teeth.

But you might ask yourself, between crowns and bridges, which is the best option. So, we’ve broken down the differences between these two replacement options.

What is a Crown?

A crown is usually a cap that is placed over a tooth. It is created from ceramic or porcelain. The material type chosen by your dentist depends on some factors. These factors include your gum tissue position, location, and how much your tooth shows when you smile.

Dental crowns restore cracked teeth and improve the shape of your teeth.

What is a Dental Bridge?

These are artificial teeth held in place by your natural teeth on either side. They are made of porcelain to blend with the color of your natural teeth. The people who need a dental bridge usually have tooth decay, gum disease, or an injury.

There are different dental bridges available in Quail Lakes Dental Care. The traditional fixed bridge is the standard type of dental bridge which includes a crown on either side. Another type of dental bridge is Maryland dental bridge. This uses metal or porcelain fireworks that help it bond to the back of the tooth on either side of the gap.

Your dentist may recommend an implant-supported bridge that joins two implants together.

Dental bridges restore the ability to chew food properly and begin speaking correctly. However, it also prevents other teeth from moving to empty spaces, which can cause further complications.

One should have good oral health to be a candidate for dental bridges. Also, you’ll be a good candidate if you maintain the bridges properly after they are put in place.

What’s the Difference Between Crowns and Bridges?

A dental crown caps your decaying or damaged tooth or can be placed on an implant to replace a missing tooth. Dental implants are placed on the jawbone surgically. These implants are anchored to the bone by fusing it with metal. This helps provide stable support that you can rely on while speaking or eating.

The healing period of an implant takes six to 12 weeks. Our dentist in Stockton will then place an abutment into your implant, where they will mount the crown.

On the other hand, bridges are used to replace missing teeth. They contain two crowns, one on either end and a bridge of replacement teeth placed on the gums where there is tooth loss.

The crowns at the bridge can be attached to dental implants by your dentist or fuse to existing teeth.

How are Crowns Made?

When you’re getting your dental crown from our dental office in Stockton, CA, our dentist will make an impression on your bite. First, this model will be used for the best shape of your new tooth. Then, the model is sent to the lab, where a crown is created, which can take a few weeks.

However, crowns can also be made from the dentist’s office depending on the type of material one chooses and whether the required equipment is available.

How are Bridges Made?

Before your dentist can make your bridge, the neighboring teeth to the gap will be reduced in size to help the bridge fit on them correctly. Your dentist will also take an impression of your teeth to create an exact mold for the bridge.

By using this impression, the dentist can send the model to the lab or create the bridge in the office. Your dentist will use temporary bridges or crowns to cover the teeth while waiting for the lab to make the permanent bridge.

Benefits of Bridges and Crowns

Getting your crowns or bridges from our cosmetic dentistry in Stockton will benefit you. They include:

• Aesthetics: A crown or a bridge help improve your aesthetic appearance.
• Long-lasting: With proper oral hygiene, bridges and crowns can last 15 years.