Share:

If you have damaged or missing teeth, your dentist may recommend crowns and bridges. These fixed prosthetic devices are popular ways to restore luminous smiles. While your provider will explain how each can be tailored to meet your needs, here are the answers to general questions about the differences between these two solutions and how they work. 

Crowns & Bridges FAQ

What are the differences between crowns and bridges?

Crowns are essentially prosthetic teeth. They can replace an entire missing tooth by attaching to an implant, for example, or cover a damaged tooth. Bridges refer to three or more attached crowns that cross the gaps in the gums left by missing teeth. They’re cemented to the remaining natural teeth on both sides. 

How are crowns created?

Getting a crown is simple. If it will be serving as a cap, the damaged tooth will be filed down so the crown will fit. Your dentist will then take impressions for the dental lab and fit you with a temporary crown. Once the custom crown is ready, it will be bonded to the tooth or attached to the implant. The process for creating bridges is similar; you may just need to have more teeth filed down. 

How long do crowns and bridges last?

crowns and bridgesYour teeth may be made of the hardest substance in the body – enamel – but they still incur a lot of wear and tear, even with correct dental hygiene. Similarly, few restorative dentistry procedures last a lifetime. With proper care, though, crowns and bridges can last for five to 10 years. 

How do you care for crowns and bridges?

Caring for crowns and bridges is easy. When it comes to keeping them clean, they don’t require anything beyond how you’d care for your natural teeth. That means brushing, flossing, and rinsing regularly will help you maintain a healthy mouth with these prosthetics. When it comes to diet, though, you should avoid especially sticky or tough foods, and you shouldn’t chew on hard objects like ice or pen caps. Otherwise, you could damage a crown. 

 

To learn if crowns and bridges are suitable solutions for your smile, turn to North Chautauqua Dental in Dunkirk, NY. Since 1980, this family dentistry practice has been providing quality care for patients throughout Chautauqua County. Whether you need a simple teeth cleaning or TMJ therapy, count on them. To explore all the services they provide, visit their website, and then call (716) 366-6822 to make an appointment. 

tracking