If you have damaged or missing teeth, chances are you need restorative dentistry in the form of dental crowns or dental bridges. Choosing between the two can raise some questions. In particular, you may want to know their main differences, comparative costs, the duration of treatment, how to care for them afterward, and many other concerns.
This guide unpacks everything you need to know about dental crowns and bridges, including choosing what is right for you and whether they are the best solution for your missing or broken teeth.
By the end of this guide, you will be better equipped to choose the option that best suits you.
What Are Dental Crowns and Bridges?
Dental Crowns at Central New York Cosmetic Dentist
Dental crowns are also called dental prosthetics. They have a core made of porcelain or metals like gold, palladium, or zirconium. This core structure is fused with a coating of porcelain, which closely resembles natural teeth. Crowns can be designed and shaded to resemble your natural teeth.
Types of Crowns
- Porcelain crowns—these are made from porcelain. They offer great aesthetics and are ideal for restoring front teeth. However, porcelain crowns are prone to cracking.
- Metal crowns – these are made of gold or non-noble metals. They are strong and durable but not very aesthetic.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns – these crowns combine the aesthetics of porcelain crown with the durability of metal crowns. On the downside, the metal structure can cause a greyish line around the gums.
- Ceramic crowns- these are made from zirconia or lithium disilicate. They are strong, durable, and resistant to wear. They are also aesthetically pleasing.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
- Crowns are a must-have after root canals as they prevent further damage to weakened teeth.
- They protect the teeth from decay and erosion.
- Dental crowns also improve your appearance, especially when used for fixing discolored or misshapen teeth.
- By improving dental alignment, crowns enhance chewing efficiency and make it easier to eat. This improves digestive health.
- Crowns can also make it easier to speak.
- Sometimes, natural teeth can cause pain or discomfort, which crowns can eliminate.
- High-quality dental crowns are longer-lasting compared to fillings. Some even last for 20-30 years.
Dental Bridge at Central New York Cosmetic Dentist
A dental bridge refers to several teeth bonded together to fill the space in your mouth where your natural teeth are missing. Dental implants also use modified bridges.
Types of Dental Bridges
- Traditional bridges: in this type, pontics or artificial teeth are placed in the gap caused by the missing teeth and fused between crowns placed on the adjacent teeth.
- Cantilever bridges – this type of bridge is used when only one healthy tooth is present, leaving no room for crowns to be placed on teeth adjacent to the gap.
- Maryland bridges—this type of dental bridge is a conservative option that does not need altering of adjacent teeth. The false teeth are bonded using resin cement applied to the backs of the adjacent teeth.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
- Dental bridges are a great solution for missing teeth.
- They can improve your speech and appearance
- Missing teeth leave a gap, which can put pressure on the teeth adjacent to the gap. Bridges help eliminate this pressure and prevent the neighboring teeth from shifting into the gap.
- Dental bridges eliminate jawbone atrophy and preserve the facial structure.
- They even out the bite strength, improve chewing efficiency, and enable you to eat hard, sticky, or chewy foods.
- Compared to implants, dental bridges are less invasive and heal faster.
Which One is Right for You: Dental Bridge or Crown?
Your dentist will recommend the right option for your needs. It is essential that you discuss the pros and cons of each option and the right material with your dentist.
You need a dental crown if you have a single tooth that needs a root canal treatment or is cracked, chipped, or discolored. A dental crown is also essential if you have a misshapen or a misaligned tooth. People with worn-down teeth due to bruxism can also benefit from crowns. Crowns can also be attached to dental implants.
You need a dental bridge if you have several missing teeth or large gaps between your teeth. A bridge requires you to have a strong jawbone and supporting teeth on one or both sides of the gap. You can also get dental bridges instead of dental implants if cost is a concern for you.
How Long Do Dental Crowns and Bridges Last?
Dental bridges and crowns can last anywhere between 10 and 20 years with good care. The lifespan depends on the materials used as well as the patient’s eating and dental care habits.
Gold crowns last long and have been the favorite choice of dentists for more than 100 years. Studies show that almost 95% of dental crowns made with gold last for over 10 years. Nickel, chromium, and palladium crowns are also long-lasting and well-known for their chewing efficiency for hard foods.
Dental bridges made with zirconia are known to last over 15 years. Implant-supported bridges are also very durable.
How To Care for Dental Crowns and Bridges?
Having dental crowns or bridges in your mouth requires more care and attention than natural teeth. This is because the seal between the crown or bridge and your gums is much weaker than the natural teeth.
Gingivitis around this seal can destroy the bridges or crowns. Once that occurs, bacteria get a free path of entry to the underlying bone and tissue. This can result in cavities and eventually lead to the failure of the bridge or crown.
Therefore, you must follow the following dental care routine at home to keep your crown or bridge last longer:
- Clean your mouth thoroughly twice a day, after meals. This is especially important after the last meal of the day. This time is especially important since saliva flow increases when we sleep, which results in bacterial accumulation.
- Use an ultra-soft bristled manual toothbrush or a motorized brush.
- Use a low-abrasive toothpaste
- Floss regularly
- Use antimicrobial mouth rinses.
Schedule An Appointment Today!
Dental crowns and bridges offer more than aesthetic or cosmetic enhancements. They also contribute to your oral health. You will experience improved confidence in your smile, which will reflect in your social interactions.
Call a restorative dentist today to learn more about the benefits of dental bridges and crowns.
Dental Crowns and Bridges in Central New York FAQs
1. How Do Dental Crowns and Bridges Differ?
Crowns cover individual damaged teeth to restore shape and strength, while bridges replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth to adjacent healthy teeth.
2. What Are the Types of Dental Crowns?
There are four main types of crowns: porcelain, metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal, and ceramic. Each type varies in durability, cost, and appearance.
3. What Types of Dental Bridges Are Available?
Dental bridges include traditional bridges, cantilever bridges, Maryland bridges, and implant-supported bridges, each suited to different dental situations.
4. How Long Do Dental Crowns and Bridges Last?
With proper care, crowns and bridges can last between 10 and 20 years, depending on the material used and your dental hygiene practices.
5. Do Dental Crowns and Bridges Look Natural?
Yes, dental crowns and bridges can look very natural, especially porcelain or ceramic options. These materials can match the color and shape of your natural teeth.
6. How Should I Care for My Dental Crown or Bridge?
Maintain good oral hygiene, brush twice a day, floss daily, and use antimicrobial rinses to protect the gums around your crowns or bridges.
7. Are Dental Crowns and Bridges Painful?
The procedure itself is generally pain-free with anesthesia, though some people may experience mild discomfort afterward, which usually resolves within a few days.
8. How Much Do Dental Crowns and Bridges Cost?
Costs vary depending on the material and complexity however Crowns are typically half the cost of dental bridges per tooth. Discuss the cost options with your cosmetic dentist to understand the specifics of your needs.
9. Are Dental Crowns and Bridges Covered by Insurance?
Insurance often covers part of the cost of crowns and bridges, especially if they are deemed medically necessary for oral health. It is best to check with your provider before committing to the treatment but this can be discussed during your initial consult.
10. Can I Eat Normally with a Dental Crown or Bridge?
Yes, once the crown or bridge is fully set, you can eat most foods. However, avoid extremely hard or sticky foods to prolong the lifespan of your dental work.
