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With advancements in dental technology, repairing and replacing damaged or missing teeth is easier than ever before. Crowns and bridges now offer solutions that remedy dental problems safely to give you a full, attractive smile. Ceramic crowns and bridges are durable, long-lasting, custom-made restorations that look like your natural teeth and can significantly improve your smile. The use of crowns and bridges help to replace missing teeth, fill gaps and spaces, whiten discolored teeth and repair small cracks or chips. Crowns Preserve Damaged Teeth Dental crowns are tooth-shaped covers that are placed over a tooth that is badly damaged or decayed and is made to look like your tooth. Your dentist places crowns for several reasons. One reason is that the tooth has been broken or damaged by decay. As a result, a filling cannot replace enough of the damaged tooth or make it strong enough for adequate support. Additionally, a crown may be used to hold together parts of a cracked tooth and it can be used to hold a bridge in place. Your dentist may recommend the placement of crowns to: • Replace a large filling when there isn't enough tooth structure remaining.
• Restore a fractured tooth.
• Cover a dental implant to provide a tooth-like shape and structure for proper function.
• Serve as an anchor for a dental bridge to replace missing teeth.
• Cover a discolored or poorly shaped tooth.
• Restore a tooth that has had root canal treatment. Bridges Fill the Space Dental bridges have been around for over 50 years. This permanent restoration is achieved by drilling the enamel of the adjacent teeth, taking impressions, and then finally making a permanent bridge across the area where the tooth is missing. Also known as a fixed removable denture, a bridge is made to replace one or more missing teeth and is supported by natural teeth, implants or a combination of teeth and implants. Getting a bridge may require multiple visits, with the first visit to prepare your teeth and cover them with temporary crowns. Your dentist may also make impressions of your teeth for custom-made bridges. At your next visit, your dentist will place your bridge. Once placed, your bridge can last for years with proper care. A major reason for bridge failure is when new cavities develop on surrounding teeth due to improper oral hygiene. Maintaining proper oral hygiene, such as flossing and brushing, will make your bridge last longer. Proper Care for Lasting Results Crowns and bridges may become loose or fall out, but with proper care, both solutions can last a lifetime. The most important step you can take to ensure the longevity of your crown or bridge is to practice proper oral hygiene and maintain good eating habits. It is important to take care of your crown or bridge as if it is your natural teeth. Brushing and flossing everyday will protect you from tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath. Maintaining a healthy diet by avoiding sugary snacks and drinks will help lengthen the life of your crown or bridge as well. Dental crowns and bridges are not for everyone, but with proper consultation with your Azle dentist, an appropriate treatment plan will be created. No longer do you need to go about your life with damaged or missing teeth.
Sean Hartmen writes for leading dentists in Azle at Today''s Dental, Drs. Frank and Jodie Rubal. Today''s Dental is a private practice office with a husband and wife team, making for a unique dental practice. Practicing dental health care in Azle since 1996, Today''s Dental, Azle family dentist, offers family and cosmetic dentistry including crowns and dentures.
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