Understanding the Roles of Dental Crowns and Bridges
When it comes to dental care, crowns and bridges stand out as essential restorative treatments that not only bring a tooth back to full function but also enhance the overall aesthetics of your smile. Referred to as restorations, these dental marvels serve distinct yet equally crucial purposes, each contributing to the health and beauty of your teeth in its unique way. Let's delve deeper into their individual roles and how they can benefit your oral health.
Crowns
Over time, our teeth begin to weaken and become more susceptible to problems such as decay, cracks or discoloration. Crowns are used to renew the appearance and function of a tooth. Also, they are often used in conjunction with root canal therapy, dental implants or as an anchor for a bridge.
Crowns are typically made from porcelain in order to maintain strength and a natural appearance. The process of placing a crown may take 2-3 office visits. Once treatment is complete, continue to practice proper at home care and keep regular office visits to help your crown last many years.
Bridges
A dental bridge is used to replace a missing tooth or teeth. A tooth or teeth neighboring the missing tooth or teeth may be crowned, and used as anchoring teeth to support the replacement tooth. It is important to replace missing teeth to avoid shifting of surrounding teeth, which may lead to misaligned bite, TMJ and other problems.
Dental bridges are custom-made to match your natural teeth in color and overall appearance. They are made from mixtures of gold, metal, alloys or porcelain to ensure that they are strong and durable. With appropriate at home and professional care, your dental bridges may last for years.
The Importance of Addressing Broken and Missing Teeth
The discomfort experienced when chewing with missing or damaged teeth stems from the intricate functionality of our dental structure. Each tooth plays a specific role, and when one is missing, the surrounding teeth bear extra strain to compensate, leading to heightened wear and tear. This increased workload can also exert undue pressure on the jaw joint, potentially causing issues like teeth grinding and TMJ problems.
It's crucial to address these issues promptly to maintain optimal oral health. Neglecting to repair a broken or decayed tooth can result in its gradual deterioration, necessitating more extensive interventions in the future. Similarly, failing to replace a missing tooth can lead to jaw bone loss over time, heightening the risk of further tooth loss and contributing to premature aging of the teeth.
To safeguard your long-term oral health and preserve the youthful appearance of your smile, it's essential to address concerns such as broken and missing teeth without delay.