Dental crowns and dental bridges are both excellent ways in which to correct damaged teeth. Unlike prosthetic devices, dental crowns and dental bridges are permanent, long lasting solutions to damage. Throughout this brief guide, you'll learn a bit about what exactly these two fixes are and how they can ensure a stronger, more aesthetically pleasing smile.
How Long Do They Last?
Although both crowns and dental bridges are both considered permanent solutions to teeth-related issues, they can loosen and eventually fall out. However, there are preventative measures that you can take to ensure that crowns and bridges are long lasting and remain in good health. First and foremost, it is imperative that you practice good oral hygiene practices. Dental disease can ravage the structural integrity of your bone structure that holds up dental bridges, for example. It is imperative that you brush your teeth ad gums with a fluoride-based toothpaste twice a day and floss at least once daily.
How Do Bridges Work?
If you're missing one or more teeth, your trusted dentist might recommend a permanent dental bridge. Dental bridges can also correct issues wherein your teeth are rotated and overcrowded, which might result in a "bad bite" – which is to say an excessive overbite or an underbite. Bridges essentially work by being cemented to your teeth around the empty space between your teeth where teeth used to exist. A replacement tooth or teeth, called a pontic, is placed into this open space. It is anchored by the teeth that are surrounding it, which are called anchors. The pontic is then cemented between the anchors, effectively forming a "bridge."
How Do Crowns Work?
Crowns work by capping on top of – or "crowning" – a damaged tooth. Crowns have both an aesthetic and integral function. Not only can crowns emulate the appearance of a natural tooth, they can also strengthen a damaged tooth. Crowns are generally constructed from ceramic materials or porcelain and can be matched to approximate the natural color of your teeth. Crowns can also be constructed from metal or gold, which can give them a stronger component, but do not look quite as natural. These are often recommended for one's back teeth.
Hopefully, you've learned a bit about what crowns and bridges can do for you and how they are placed into your mouth. If you have any further questions about crowns and bridges, it is recommended that you contact a trusted local dentist's office.
Share20 March 2016
As a busy professional, my public appearance is very important to me. Networking with potential clients and business contacts is as much about the image you present as it is about what you do and what you know. I take care to look my best every day by taking special care with my hair, makeup, and clothes. But for a long time, I was embarrassed about my smile, and restricted myself to tight, closed mouth smiles to hide my yellowed, crooked teeth. Then I discovered what cosmetic dentistry could do for me. With the help of a great cosmetic dentist, I decided to have tooth whitening treatments and use corrective tooth straightening equipment. Now I have no problem flashing a big, white smile everywhere I go. You can do the same thing! Find out how cosmetic dentistry can maximize your smile power and improve your life.