Crowns and bridges are two types of cosmetic dental work that correct damaged or missing teeth to create beautiful smiles. Unlike dentures, dental crowns and bridges are semi-permanent and can only be removed by your dentist. Both require two or three dental visits to complete and are capable of lasting 10 to 20 years with the right care. However, they do have some differences.

Dental Crowns

Dental crowns or caps fit over damaged teeth to provide fortification and improve tooth appearance. Impressions of your real teeth are used to create this dental restoration. Crowns are available in numerous forms, including gold, metal alloys, acrylic, ceramic, and porcelain. Dental crowns are also used to cover tooth implants, protect teeth from cracking, attach dental bridges, and cover teeth after a root canal.

Dental Bridges

Dental bridges fill tooth gaps to create a uniform appearance and prevent problems associated with missing teeth, such as shifting and decay around adjacent teeth. Bridges rely on abutment teeth, or teeth on either side of the affected space, to stay in place. They are constructed via molds of your real teeth and are made of ceramic or porcelain to create a natural appearance.

Crown & Bridge Care

Crowns and bridges are affixed using special dental cement and last for many years, assuming you are diligent about dental hygiene and do not consume hard foods regularly. Visiting your dentist twice a year is recommended to maintain your dental crowns or bridge as well as your overall oral health.

Discuss the best dental restoration for you with the talented dentist at The Dental Clinic at Stuttgart. Dr. Montgomery D. Heathman and staff have kept the smiles of Arkansas County residents healthy and beautiful for over 15 years. Schedule an appointment today by contacting the office at (870) 551-3836. Visit their website to learn about their services, and like the dentist on Facebook for more great dental care tips.