There are times in life where we will all lose or damage an existing tooth. In order to restore our flawed smile, we will require the use of a dental implant. Then you hear about crowns and bridges, and you’re confused. Which is which and what is the difference?
Dental crowns and bridges are dental prosthetic devices that are cemented onto existing teeth or implants. Unlike dentures, which can be taken out, crowns and bridges can only be removed by a dentist. Which procedure is right for you requires a dental examination and treatment plan.
First the bridge. Like a bridge we would encounter driving along, dental bridges are used to replace one or more missing teeth, making the gap no longer existent. They are cemented to existing teeth or implants that surround an empty space, serving as anchors for the bridge. Porcelain is the most common material choice because it can be matched to the color of your natural teeth.
Bridges are dental restorations that span the gap left by missing teeth and is connected to the teeth adjacent to the space left behind. Typically, bridges consist of filler teeth, which are anchored or attached, then bonded to a crown or the surrounding teeth. The procedure for bridges is easy and rarely takes no longer than two visits, and rarely require surgery. This is a huge advantage to those that have dental anxiety. But dental bridges are cheap, especially when compared to the initial costs of other procedures, such as dentures and implants.
Dental crowns serve a different purpose; they cover a damaged tooth. They do not go hand-in-hand with bridges, as crowns used for lots of reasons, repairing the tooth’s appearance or shape, and to fix alignment issues. As with bridges, crowns can be made of porcelain but as you can see, there are many dental issues that can be repaired with a dental crown:
- To attach a bridge
- Replace a filling when not enough tooth remains
- Protecting weak teeth
- Fractured tooth
- Cover a dental implant
- Cover a discolored tooth
- Cover a tooth that has had a root canal
Crowns and bridges are fairly easy to take care of once applied. Practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing and seeing your dentist on a regular basis. Also, steer clear of chewing hard foods such as ice or hard candies. Follow these simple rules and your crowns and bridges could last a lifetime!
If you’re interested in dental crowns or bridges, contact Dr. Larry Lieberman, DDS at 727-785-8017 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.dentist-lieberman.com for additional information.
Dr. Larry Lieberman proudly accepts patients from Safety Harbor, Palm Harbor, Clearwater, Dunedin, Tarpon Springs and surrounding areas.