What are bridges and crowns?
Bridges and crowns are fixed dental prostheses cemented to existing teeth or implants. Bridges and crowns help improve the alignment, appearance, and shape, of your teeth, as well as your bite.
A bridge is one or more artificial teeth that fill the space created by missing teeth. It is anchored at both ends by natural teeth.
Crowns or “caps” are used to cover cracked, extensively decayed, or damaged teeth or implants. A crown can restore a tooth’s shape, size, and strength, and improve its appearance.
When are the advantages of crowns?
A crown serves numerous functions, and the team at Rodney K. Park DDS recommends this procedure to:
- Protect a weak tooth from fracturing
- Restore a fractured tooth
- Cover a dental implant
- Cover a tooth after a root canal
- Replace a large filling
Talk with your provider at Rodney K. Park DDS to see if a crown is right for you.
How do bridges work?
Bridges span the space between two or more missing teeth. The natural, healthy teeth on either side of the missing tooth receive crowns called abutments. The middle artificial replacement tooth or teeth, called a pontic, is attached to the crowns placed on the abutments.
Bridges come in a variety of materials. Your dentist at Rodney K. Park DDS determines which type of bridge is best suited for you depending on the location of the missing tooth, its function, aesthetics, and cost.
How are crowns and bridges made?
Creating crowns and bridges is a multistep procedure. First, your dentist reduces the teeth to create space for the crown and bridge to fit correctly. Next, they take a digital impression of both your jaws.
The Rodney K. Park DDS team uses digital scanning with custom contour and shade to specifically match your natural teeth.
You receive a temporary crown or bridge that protects the tooth while you wait for the permanent one. Once ready, your dentist cements the permanent tooth over the reduced tooth.
How long do crowns and bridges last?
The teat at Rodney K. Park DDS provides aftercare instructions for your new bridge or crown. With proper care, such as good oral hygiene and regular preventive visits, they can last a lifetime.
To learn more about crowns and bridges, contact Rodney K. Park DDS today. Call to book an appointment.
