If you have lost one or several of your natural teeth, you might want to consider dental crowns or bridges. They are the two most convenient ways of restoring missing teeth.
Dr. Hernandez at The Dental Design Studios in Houston, Texas, is skilled in restoring damaged and missing teeth and can offer you various reliable solutions to bring back your natural smile.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a cap or a cover fixed over a damaged tooth or on top of a dental implant to replace a missing tooth. Crowns restore the tooth’s original size, shape, and function and are long-lasting and sturdy.
Crowns are typically used to restore teeth affected by severe cavities, cracked or worn-down teeth, following a root canal treatment, or badly shaped or discolored teeth.
Different materials can be used for making crowns. These include ceramic, metal alloys, metal fused to porcelain, or composite resin.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is made up of one or several false teeth supported by crowns placed on the existing teeth on either side of the gap left by the missing tooth. These artificial teeth are known as pontics and are made of alloys, porcelain, gold, or a combination of metal and porcelain.
Types of Dental Crowns and Bridges
There are four main types of dental crowns, as follows:
- porcelain fused to metal crowns
- ceramic crowns
- base metal alloys crowns
- gold alloys crowns
- On the other hand, dental bridges also come in several types, namely:
- traditional dental bridges
- cantilever bridges
- Maryland bridges
- implant-supported bridges
Dental Crown and Bridges Procedure
The procedure for placing crowns and bridges is relatively straightforward. During the first visit, the dentist investigates the damage and prepares for the restoration. The dentist will also take an X-ray and an impression of the teeth for preparing the crowns.
During the second visit, the dentist fixes the crown or the bridge in place.
Once they are fixed, you will need to care for your crown or bridge just like you would your natural teeth, brushing and flossing regularly and visiting the dentist once every six months.
To learn more about dental crowns and bridges and their benefits, contact The Dental Design Studios at (713) 468-5800 or visit us at 8391 Westview Drive, Houston, TX 77055.
