Dental crowns and caps are dental prosthetics, both of which are fixed permanently to a patient’s mouth. Both crowns and bridges are affixed to existing teeth or dental implants and unlike dentures, which can be removed by the wearer for cleaning, crowns and bridges are permanent structures.
How does a crown work?
When a single tooth has been seriously damaged, a crown, also known as a “cap”, is used to cover the damaged portion. A crown not only strengthens a damaged tooth; it can be used to change the shape or alignment. In the event the tooth root has been removed, a dentist in Lakeview can fit a dental implant which has a crown on top. The crown looks and functions as a natural tooth. Crowns are made from porcelain or synthetic materials, and can be made to match the color of the patient’s natural teeth. Although porcelain and synthetic crowns are the most common, some patients will insist on gold or metal alloy when the crown is in the back of the mouth to ensure that they are strong enough for chewing and grinding.
Your Lakeview dentist will suggest a crown when there is not enough of a tooth left to support a filling. To restore a tooth which has fractured as well as cover a tooth that has had a root canal. Crowns are also used to support a bridge.
How does a bridge work?
If the patient is missing one or more teeth, the dentist may suggest a bridge. It is important to fill gaps left by missing teeth as the teeth on either side of the gap slowly move to fill the space. The result is a bad bite.
Just like any bridge, the dental bridge spans a gap between missing teeth. The bridge is fixed using dental adhesive to the teeth either side of the gap. These teeth are referred to as abutments; they act as anchors for the bridge. A bridge can also be made from various materials; the choice of material is based on the location of the bridge.
How long do they typically last?
There is no reason to believe that a crown or a bridge cannot last the patient’s lifetime. It is very important to maintain them the same way you maintain your natural teeth. If the abutment tooth should become diseased the prosthetic can loosen and fall out. The only thing to pay particular attention to is to avoid chewing hard food or ice.
If you have broken a tooth or you have missing teeth the solution is either a crown or a bridge. If you are looking for skilled dentist in Lakeview to fit either, contact the Art of Modern Dentistry, To know more information visit our Facebook page.
