Dental Crowns and Bridges
Are damaged or missing teeth making it tough or even painful to chew? Are you feeling self-conscious about your appearance when you smile or talk to others? Crowns and bridges can help restore your teeth allowing you to chew and smile with greater ease and comfort.
What Are Crowns and Bridges?
Our dentist in Sellersville PA offers both of these restorative dentistry services. But how do they differ? Dental crowns are caps or coverings placed on damaged teeth. Crowns made of porcelain or other durable materials can be made to resemble your natural teeth as much as possible, including their color and shape.
Bridges are fixed dental appliances used to replace missing teeth. Traditionally, they include two crowns that cover the teeth on either side of a gap and an artificial tooth or pontic that goes in the gap. Bridges can be made from different materials. But porcelain that’s fused to metal is among the most common types.
When Are Dental Crowns Used?
A crown can help restore a damaged tooth’s function and appearance. Dentists might recommend them for any of the following reasons:
- Tooth fractures
- Large or cracked fillings
- Tooth decay
- After a root canal
- Discoloration
- Misshapen tooth
Why Are Bridges Used?
Dentists use bridges to fill in gaps or spaces from one or more missing teeth. Having a fixed bridge can benefit you in all of the following ways:
- Stops the teeth near the gap from shifting out of position
- Improves your smile if gaps are highly visible
- Allows you to speak clearly and chew comfortably
- Helps prevent changes to your facial shape that gaps can cause
What to Expect When You Get a Crown
Getting a dental crown is typically a simple, straightforward process. You’ll have molds of your tooth taken to make a temporary crown and a permanent custom crown. You’ll have the temporary crown on for a couple of weeks before having it replaced with the permanent crown.
What to Expect When You Get a Bridge
Getting a bridge involves a few steps that usually take place throughout two appointments — or more if needed. You’ll first have a small part of the enamel taken off of the anchoring teeth, making room for the crown. You’ll then have molds of your teeth taken to create the bridge.
Until the permanent bridge is ready, you’ll need to wear a temporary one. Once the permanent bridge is ready, it’s securely cemented in place.
How Long Do Crowns and Bridges Last?
Both of these can last for several years. But you may need to have them replaced or possibly reattached if they become loose or sustain a lot of wear and tear.
Schedule Dental Care Today!
Are you looking for help for a damaged tooth or missing teeth? Our team at Sellersville Family Dental offers restorative dentistry services, including crowns and bridges. Call us at (215) 258-1090 to set up an appointment with our dentist in Sellersville!
