What Are Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges?

Both dental crowns and bridges are fixed dental devices that work to restore the appearance and function of your smile. If you have missing or damaged teeth, you may be considering getting one of these dental restorations to boost your confidence and enhance your quality of life. In this blog post, our team at Impression Dental tells you all about dental crowns and dental bridges near you so that you can make the right decision for your needs. 

What Are Dental Crowns? 

Dental crowns are used to cover a damaged or decayed tooth and restore its appearance and function. Dental crowns can also be placed over the top of a dental implant to act as a replacement tooth in both structure and function. Dental crowns in Edmonton are often made of ceramic or porcelain and can be matched to the color of your natural teeth to blend in seamlessly with your smile. Other options for materials include metal and gold alloys, ceramic, and acrylic. These alloys are typically stronger than ceramic or porcelain and are usually used on molars.

Your dentist may recommend that you get a dental crown to: 

● Cover a misshapen tooth

● Cover a stained or discolored tooth

● Cover a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy

● Attach dental bridge

● Protect a weakened tooth from breaking

What Are Dental Bridges?

A dentist near you may recommend a dental bridge if you have one or more missing teeth. Gaps left behind by missing teeth can lead to problems such as gum disease and a misaligned bite. Dental bridges are most often used to replace one or more missing teeth and use crowns attached to the teeth on either side of the gap as anchors. A replacement tooth, also known as a pontic, fills the space left behind. Similar to dental crowns, there are many options for materials for dental bridges, ranging from metals to ceramic and porcelain.

How Are Dental Crowns and Bridges Made? 

When you visit a dental clinic in Edmonton for a dental crown or bridge, your dentist will need to alter the shape of your natural teeth to fit either restoration. After reshaping your tooth or teeth, your dentist will take impressions to provide a precise mold for your crown or bridge.

Using these impressions, a dental laboratory will create your dental crown or bridge, and in the interim, you will be fitted with a temporary restoration. Once your permanent crown or bridge is ready, your dentist will place it in your mouth using a special dental cement and make any necessary adjustments, so it fits perfectly in your bite.

How Long Do Dental Bridges and Crowns Last? 

While dental crowns and bridges can last for decades, they can sometimes become damaged or loosen and fall out. The best way to ensure the longevity of your dental restoration is to practice excellent oral hygiene. This means brushing twice a day, flossing each evening, and visiting a dentist at least once every six months for a comprehensive dental cleaning and examination.

If you would like to learn more about dental bridges and crowns, please do not hesitate to contact our dedicated team of dental professionals at Impression Dental. We are happy to provide you with the perfect dental restoration for your needs. Please contact us to book your consultation today.