
Understanding Dental Crowns and Bridges
Crowns
As time passes, our teeth can become weaker and more prone to issues like decay, cracks, or discoloration. Crowns are utilized to restore both the look and function of a tooth, often in combination with root canal therapy, dental implants, or as support for a bridge.
Typically crafted from porcelain for durability and a natural look, crowns may require 2-3 office visits for placement. After treatment, it is important to maintain proper at-home care and attend regular office visits to ensure the longevity of your crown for years to come.
Bridges
A dental bridge is a common solution for replacing missing teeth by using neighboring teeth as anchors for support. This helps prevent the shifting of surrounding teeth, which can lead to various dental issues such as misaligned bite and TMJ problems. It is important to address missing teeth promptly to maintain oral health and prevent further complications.
Dental bridges are carefully crafted to blend in seamlessly with your natural teeth, both in color and appearance. They are typically made from a combination of materials such as gold, metal, alloys, or porcelain to ensure strength and durability. With proper care at home and regular professional check-ups, dental bridges can last for many years, providing a long-lasting solution for missing teeth.
Addressing broken and missing teeth is essential for oral health.
The discomfort experienced while chewing with missing or damaged teeth is due to the complex functionality of our dental structure. Each tooth has a specific role, and when one is missing, the surrounding teeth have to work harder, leading to increased wear and tear. This extra strain can also put pressure on the jaw joint, potentially causing issues like teeth grinding and TMJ problems.
It is important to address these issues promptly to maintain good oral health. Ignoring a broken or decayed tooth can result in further deterioration, requiring more extensive treatment in the future. Similarly, not replacing a missing tooth can lead to jaw bone loss over time, increasing the risk of additional tooth loss and premature aging of the teeth.
To protect your oral health in the long run and maintain a youthful smile, it is crucial to address concerns such as broken and missing teeth as soon as possible.