Artificial dental replacements are often recommended for people with missing or damaged teeth. Of the many options out there, getting a crown or bridge is the usual choice by those who would like a more natural and realistic look, and also because you don’t have to take them out, they don’t move or shift when you are using them, and they tend to last longer than other dental replacements.
Dental implants are increasingly common around the US. Before getting a crown or bridge in Connecticut, here is everything you need to know about the differences and benefits of crown and bridges.
How to know if you may need a crown or bridge?
Crowns and bridges are used to replace missing, damaged or decaying teeth. If you suffered a fall or any other type of accident and lost teeth as a result, receiving an implant is the best way to regain a normal appearance and functionality. At the same time, decaying teeth can develop into severe pain and threaten our overall oral health. In those instances, a dental professional may also recommend implanting a crown or replacing the tooth with a bridge.
Getting a crown or bridge in Connecticut could be the answer for patients who can’t have or don’t like prosthetic dentures.
Crowns
Crowns are implants that are placed on top of a damaged, weak or decaying tooth to improve its shape, appearance, size and strength. If you are missing teeth, a dentist will also put a crown above the false replacement to achieve a more natural look.
Crowns can be made from different materials. Metal and gold crowns tend to last longer and have lower prices, but they may not be the look you are aiming for. Porcelain, acrylic or ceramic crowns do achieve a more natural appearance, and using the best quality materials, crowns can last up to fifteen years or even more.
Bridges
Bridges are implants designed to replace any lost teeth. Their names derive from the fact that they bridge – Or fill – the gap created by the missing teeth. To place a bridge, your dentist will attach the implant between two crowns, as mentioned above, and the implant will be adjusted into place.
Just like crowns, the materials used for creating bridges are diverse and vary in their quality and benefits. In most cases, bridges are made from porcelain and then fused with metal, which creates a natural smile. They also have a similar lifespan to crowns and are preferred over traditional dentures as they don’t need to be taken out and don’t move or shift when using them.
Crown and bridge care
After getting a crown or bridge in Connecticut, you need to maintain good hygiene and take care of your teeth. Brushing them after every meal and flossing regularly is always recommended. Crowns do not require any additional care unless your dentist advises you to, but bridges do need extra cleaning steps. To care for your dental bridges, you will need a device known as a super-floss. Using the super-floss at least several times a week should be enough to make your implants more durable. For both crowns and bridges regular check-ups are advisable.