Crowns and Bridges

Crowns

A crown is basically a cap that covers the whole tooth but looks just like a real tooth. Your dentist may recommend it if you have a cracked or broken tooth, or if you have a discolored tooth that can’t be whitened through dental whitening procedures. Opting for a dental crown is not just for aesthetic reasons however. It helps make the tooth stronger and prevents any damage from getting worse. Crowns can be made from porcelain, gold, or a combination of porcelain and alloy. Porcelain crowns are generally more natural-looking, and it’s the obvious option for the front teeth. A crown made of gold is much more noticeable, yet stronger, which is why it’s generally reserved for the back teeth. Crowns also work as an anchor for bridges when replacing missing teeth.

Bridges

When a patient loses a row of teeth, a bridge can be made to fill in the gap. To anchor it in place, your dentist will place crowns set on the adjoining teeth by the empty spaces.

The bridge is often made from porcelain or gold. It needs to be held securely in place, because constant shifting due to continuous pressure can result in gum disease.

A dental bridge is just one of the options available to restore the quality of your smile. It can also help you regain your ability to chew your food properly. More importantly, it prevents your other teeth from shifting towards the gap left by your missing teeth.