Missing and damaged teeth can be both unsightly and harmful to your oral health. Luckily, cosmetic dentistry has introduced a variety of solutions, with dental bridges and crowns as two of the most effective. According to the staff at Lisa Tatum, DDS, in Waynesboro, VA, these long-term options address several issues, and it’s important to understand what each does, especially if you’re determining which is best for you or a loved one.

Dental Bridges

While missing teeth may seem harmless, they can lead to many oral health issues. They alter your bite, speech, and can result in gum disease. To protect the area, dental bridges are an especially effective option.

To begin, a dentist takes a mold of the area where your tooth is missing. They then create a replica with two caps attached to the ends that will be fixed to the adjacent teeth with an adhesive. This creates a bridge that allows the false tooth—called a pontic—to fit seamlessly in the empty space. Once in place, dental bridges blend in with your natural teeth and can last for years, as long as you properly care for them.

Dental Crowns

Chips, fractures, and extensive decay all leave the sensitive inner chambers of your tooth exposed. This can result in infection, tooth loss, and other serious issues. In most cases, it’s quite difficult to save the tooth, so your dentist will apply dental crowns. These caps fit perfectly over the tooth, sealing off any entry points where bacteria could get it. It is designed to match your bite as well so that your speech and ability to eat aren’t affected. Like dental bridges, they require regular care and are a great long-term solution.

If you’re interested in exploring the benefits of crowns and dental bridges further, turn to the staff at Lisa Tatum, DDS. They offer a variety of cosmetic dentistry solutions and will work closely with you to ensure that you maintain a healthy smile. Call (540) 943-0973 today to schedule an appointment and visit their website to learn more about the services they provide. You can also follow them on Facebook for regular news and updates.