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Has your tooth been chipped or cracked? If so, your dentist may suggest a crown to restore the function and look of the damaged tooth. Crowns can be made from several different kinds of materials, and based on location, esthetics, and cost, the right one to repair your damaged tooth can be selected. Additionally, if you have one or more missing teeth due to decay or trauma to your mouth, your dentist might suggest the use of a dental bridge to restore your smile. The loss of teeth significantly changes the look of your smile, your bite and puts stress on your surrounding teeth to compensate for the lost tooth. The missing tooth is replaced with an artificial tooth connected between two crowns, which are permanently placed or bonded onto the adjacent teeth. How do Crowns Work? A crown is used to cover or "cap" a damaged tooth. Besides strengthening a damaged tooth, a crown can be used to improve its appearance, shape or alignment. Your dentist may recommend a crown to:
• Replace a large filling when there isn't enough tooth remaining
• Protect a weak tooth from fracturing
• Restore a fractured tooth
• Attach a bridge
• Cover a dental implant
• Cover a discolored or poorly shaped tooth
• Cover a tooth that has had root canal treatment A crown can also be placed on top of an implant to provide a tooth-like shape and structure for functionality. Porcelain or ceramic crowns can be matched to the color of your natural teeth. Other materials that can potentially be used for crowns include gold and metal alloys, acrylic and ceramic. These alloys are generally stronger than porcelain and may be recommended for back teeth. Porcelain bonded to a metal shell is often used, as well, because it is both strong and esthetically pleasing.
How do Bridges Work? A dental bridge may be recommended if you are missing one or more teeth. Gaps that are left by missing teeth eventually cause your remaining teeth to rotate or shift into the empty spaces, resulting in a bad bite. The imbalance caused by missing teeth can also lead to gum disease and temporomandibular joint disorders. Commonly used to replace one or more missing teeth, dental bridges span the space where the teeth are missing. Dental bridges are permanently placed against the natural teeth or implants that surround the empty space, which serve as anchors for the bridge. Just like crowns, porcelain or ceramic bridges can be matched to the color of your natural teeth. If your teeth are missing or damaged, consult your dentist in Newburgh, Beacon and Fishkill for further treatment. Your dentist will be able to recommend the use of a crown or bridge to repair your smile, fully restoring it to its full functionality. A better, improved smile is within reach.
Sean Hartmen writes for Dr. Hongli Wang, leading Beacon, Fishkill and Newburgh dentist. Offering comprehensive dental care for the entire family, including cosmetic dentistry and implants in Fishkill, Newburgh and Beacon, Dr. Wang is qualified to handle any dental need.
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